Topical formulations and uses thereof

ABSTRACT

Provided herein include formulations for topical administration, such as ophthalmic formulations, and methods of using such formulations. In some aspects and embodiments the formulations may include a polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid, and/or a polyalkoxylated alcohol and may include nanomicelles. Also include methods of treating or preventing diseases or conditions, such as ocular diseases or conditions.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to the field of formulations for topicaladministration, such as ophthalmic formulations, and methods of usingsuch formulations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The information provided herein and references cited are provided solelyto assist the understanding of the reader, and does not constitute anadmission that any of the references or information is prior art to thepresent disclosure.

United States Patent Application Nos US2010/0310462 and US2009/0092665disclose drug delivery systems for ophthalmic use that have nanomicellesthat include vitamin E TPGS.

Travoprost involves a formulation for glaucoma or ocular hypertensionthat includes HCO-40 and a prostaglandin analog as the activeingredient. Seedailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=338e7ff4-0d91-4208-a45d-bfa2be52334don the world-wide web. The active ingredient is present at 0.004%. Theformulation includes propylene glycol and does not include nanomicelles.HCO-40 is present in Travoprost at 0.5%. Seeema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR_-_ProductInformation/human/000665/WC500038389.pdf on the world-wide web.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to topical formulations such asformulations suitable for ophthalmic administration. In certain aspectsand embodiments, the formulations of the present disclosure may includea polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid, and/or a polyalkoxylated alcohol and mayinclude nanomicelles. In certain aspects and embodiments, theformulations of the present disclosure are formulated in the absence ofany pharmaceutically active agent, i.e., without any non-lipidnon-surfactant pharmaceutically active agent that has receivedregulatory approval for the treatment of an ocular condition. As usedherein, the term “formulation” is not meant to imply that theingredients or components are in combination with a pharmaceuticallyactive agent, i.e., any non-lipid non-surfactant active agent that hasreceived regulatory approval for the treatment of an ocular condition.

In certain aspects and embodiments as described herein, the formulationsas described herein may have certain surprising features and advantagesthat could not have been predicted prior to the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the formulations of the present disclosure aresurprisingly stable at high temperatures, for example, temperaturesabove about 40° C. In some aspects and embodiments the nanomicellularnature of some formulations described herein allow for improved oculartissue distribution. In certain aspects and embodiments, formulations asdescribed herein are particularly suitable for anterior eye delivery, orposterior eye delivery, or anterior and posterior eye delivery.

Accordingly, in a first aspect provided is a formulation that includes apolyoxyl lipid or fatty acid and a polyalkoxylated alcohol, and does notinclude an active agent. In some embodiments the formulations includenanomicelles. In some embodiments the polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid is apolyoxyl castor oil. In some embodiments, the polyoxyl lipid or fattyacid is one or more selected from HCO-40, HCO-60, HCO-80 or HCO-100. Insome embodiments the polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid (such as a polyoxylcastor oil such as HCO-40, HCO-60, HCO-80 or HCO-100) is present between1 and 6%; or 2 and 6%; or 2 and 6%; or 3 and 6%; or 4 and 6%; or 2 and5%; or 3 and 5%; or 3 and 5%; or 2 and 6%; or about 4%; or greater than0.7%; or greater than 1%, or greater than 1.5%; or greater than 2%; orgreater than 3%; or greater than 4% by weight of the formulation. Insome embodiments the polyoxyl lipid is HCO-60. In some embodiments thepolyoxyl lipid is HCO-80. In some embodiments the polyoxyl lipid isHCO-100. In some embodiments, the formulation includes a polyalkoxylatedalcohol that is octoxynol-40. In some embodiments, the formulationincludes a polyalkoxylated alcohol (such as octoxynol-40) presentbetween 0.002 and 4%; or between 0.005 and 3%; or 0.005 and 2%; or 0.005and 1%; or 0.005 and 0.5%; or 0.005 and 0.1%; or 0.005 and 0.05%; or0.008 and 0.02%; or about 0.01% by weight of the formulation.

As used herein, the term “polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid” refers to mono-and diesters of lipids or fatty acids and polyoxyethylene diols.Polyoxyl lipids or fatty acids may be numbered (“n”) according to theaverage polymer length of the oxyethylene units (e.g., 40, 60, 80, 100)as is well understood in the art. The term “n 40 polyoxyl lipid” meansthat the ployoxyl lipid or fatty acid has an average oxyethylene polymerlength equal to or greater than 40 units. Stearate hydrogenated castoroil and castor oil are common lipids/fatty acids commercially availableas polyoxyl lipids or fatty acid, however, it is understood that anylipid or fatty acid could polyoxylated to become a polyoxyl lipid orfatty acid as contemplated herein. Examples of polyoxyl lipid or fattyacids include without limitation HCO-40, HCO-60, HCO-80, HCO-100,polyoxyl 40 stearate, polyoxyl 35 castor oil.

As used herein, the term “micelle” or “nanomicelle” refers to anaggregate (or cluster) of surfactant molecules. Micelles only form whenthe concentration of surfactant is greater than the critical micelleconcentration (CMC). Surfactants are chemicals that are amphipathic,which means that they contain both hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups.Micelles can exist in different shapes, including spherical,cylindrical, and discoidal. A micelle comprising at least two differentmolecular species is a mixed micelle. In some embodiments, ophthalmiccompositions of the present disclosure include an aqueous, clear, mixedmicellar solution.

In a second aspect, provided is a formulation, comprising a 40 polyoxyllipid or fatty acid, and optionally, an active agent. In someembodiments the formulations includes nanomicelles. In some embodimentsthe polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid is a polyoxyl castor oil. In someembodiments, the polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid is one or more selectedfrom HCO-40, HCO-60, HCO-80 or HCO-100. In some embodiments the polyoxyllipid or fatty acid (such as a polyoxyl castor oil such as HCO-40,HCO-60, HCO-80 or HCO-100) is present between 0.5 and 2%, or 0.7 and 2%,or 1 and 6%; or 2 and 6%; or 2 and 6%; or 3 and 6%; or 4 and 6%; or 2and 5%; or 3 and 5%; or 3 and 5%; or 2 and 6%; or about 4%; or greaterthan 0.7%; or greater than 1%, or greater than 1.5%; or greater than 2%;or greater than 3%; or greater than 4% by weight of the formulation. Insome embodiments the polyoxyl lipid is HCO-60. In some embodiments thepolyoxyl lipid is HCO-80. In some embodiments the polyoxyl lipid isHCO-100. In some embodiments, the formulation further includespolyalkoxylated alcohol. In some embodiments, the formulation furtherincludes polyalkoxylated alcohol that is octoxynol-40. In someembodiments, the formulation includes a polyalkoxylated alcohol (such asoctoxynol-40) present between 0.002 and 4%; or between 0.005 and 3%; orbetween 0.005 and 2%; or between 0.005 and 1%; or between 0.005 and0.5%; or between 0.005 and 0.1%; or between 0.005 and 0.05%; or between0.008 and 0.02%; or between 0.01 and 0.1%; or between 0.02 and 0.08%; orbetween 0.005 and 0.08%; or about 0.05%, or about 0.01% by weight of theformulation.

In a third aspect, provided is a formulation, that includes a polyoxyllipid or fatty acid; and does not include an active agent, wherein saidpolyoxyl lipid or fatty acid is present in an amount equal to or greaterthan 1% of said formulation. In a similar aspect, provided is aformulation that includes a polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid, and does notinclude an active agent; wherein said polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid ispresent in an amount equal to or greater than 0.05% of said formulation.In some embodiments the formulations includes nanomicelles. In someembodiments the polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid is a polyoxyl castor oil.In some embodiments, the polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid is one or moreselected from HCO-40, HCO-60, HCO-80 or HCO-100. In some embodiments thepolyoxyl lipid or fatty acid (such as a polyoxyl castor oil such asHCO-60, HCO-80 or HCO-100) is present between 0.5 and 2%, or 0.7 and 2%,or between 1 and 6%; or 2 and 6%; or 2 and 6%; or 3 and 6%; or 4 and 6%;or 2 and 5%; or 3 and 5%; or 3 and 5%; or 2 and 6%; or about 4%; orgreater than 1.5%; or greater than 2%; or greater than 3%; or greaterthan 4% by weight of the formulation. In some embodiments the polyoxyllipid is HCO-40. In some embodiments the polyoxyl lipid is HCO-60. Insome embodiments the polyoxyl lipid is HCO-80. In some embodiments thepolyoxyl lipid is HCO-100. In some embodiments, the formulation furtherincludes polyalkoxylated alcohol. In some embodiments, the formulationfurther includes polyalkoxylated alcohol that is octoxynol-40. In someembodiments, the formulation includes a polyalkoxylated alcohol (such asoctoxynol-40) present between 0.002 and 4%; or between 0.005 and 3%; orbetween 0.005 and 2%; or between 0.005 and 1%; or between 0.005 and0.5%; or between 0.005 and 0.1%; or between 0.005 and 0.05%; or between0.008 and 0.02%; or between 0.01 and 0.1%; or between 0.02 and 0.08%; orbetween 0.005 and 0.08%; or about 0.05%, or about 0.01% by weight of theformulation.

In a fourth aspect, provided is a formulation that includes a polyoxyllipid or fatty acid, and does not include an active agent; wherein saidformulation comprises nanomicelles. In some embodiments the polyoxyllipid or fatty acid is a polyoxyl castor oil. In some embodiments, thepolyoxyl lipid or fatty acid is one or more selected from HCO-40,HCO-60, HCO-80 or HCO-100. In some embodiments the polyoxyl lipid orfatty acid (such as a polyoxyl castor oil such as HCO-40, HCO-60, HCO-80or HCO-100) is present between 0.5 and 2%, or 0.7 and 2%, or between 1and 6%; or 2 and 6%; or 2 and 6%; or 3 and 6%; or 4 and 6%; or 2 and 5%;or 3 and 5%; or 3 and 5%; or 2 and 6%; or about 4%; or greater than0.7%; or greater than 1%, or greater than 1.5%; or greater than 2%; orgreater than 3%; or greater than 4% by weight of the formulation. Insome embodiments the polyoxyl lipid is HCO-40. In some embodiments thepolyoxyl lipid is HCO-60. In some embodiments the polyoxyl lipid isHCO-80. In some embodiments the polyoxyl lipid is HCO-100. In someembodiments, the formulation further includes polyalkoxylated alcohol.In some embodiments, the formulation further includes polyalkoxylatedalcohol that is octoxynol-40. In some embodiments, the formulationincludes a polyalkoxylated alcohol (such as octoxynol-40) presentbetween 0.002 and 4%; or between 0.005 and 3%; or between 0.005 and 2%;or between 0.005 and 1%; or between 0.005 and 0.5%; or between 0.005 and0.1%; or between 0.005 and 0.05%; or between 0.008 and 0.02%; or between0.01 and 0.1%; or between 0.02 and 0.08%; or between 0.005 and 0.08%; orabout 0.05%, or about 0.01% by weight of the formulation.

In a further aspect provided is a formulation, comprising 1-5% of one ormore polyoxyl lipid selected from the group consisting of HCO-40,HCO-60, HCO-80 and HCO-100; about 0.01% octoxynol-40, and does notinclude an active agent.

In another aspect, provided is a formulation, comprising 1-5% of one ormore polyoxyl lipid selected from the group consisting of HCO-40,HCO-60, HCO-80 and HCO-100; about 0.01% octoxynol-40, and does notinclude an active agent.

In yet another aspect, provided is a formulation comprising 1-5% of oneor more polyoxyl lipid selected from the group consisting of HCO-40,HCO-60, HCO-80 and HCO-100; about 0.01% octoxynol-40, and does notinclude an active agent.

In one aspect, provided is a formulation comprising 1-5% of one or morepolyoxyl lipid selected from the group consisting of HCO-40, HCO-60,HCO-80 and HCO-100; about 0.01% octoxynol-40, and does not include anactive agent.

In a further aspect provided is a formulation comprising about 4% ofHCO-60, about 0.01% octoxynol-40, and does not include an active agent.

In another aspect provided is a formulation comprising 0.7-1.5% of oneor more polyoxyl lipid selected from the group consisting of HCO-40,HCO-60, HCO-80 and HCO-100; about 0.05% octoxynol-40, and does notinclude an active agent.

In another aspect, provided is a formulation comprising 0.7-1.5% of oneor more polyoxyl lipid selected from the group consisting of HCO-40,HCO-60, HCO-80 and HCO-100; about 0.05% octoxynol-40, and does notinclude an active agent.

In yet another aspect, provided is a formulation comprising 0.7-1.5% ofone or more polyoxyl lipid selected from the group consisting of HCO-40,HCO-60, HCO-80 and HCO-100; about 0.05% octoxynol-40, and does notinclude an active agent.

In one aspect, provided is a formulation comprising 0.7-1.5% of one ormore polyoxyl lipid selected from the group consisting of HCO-40,HCO-60, HCO-80 and HCO-100; about 0.05% octoxynol-40, and does notinclude an active agent.

In a further aspect provided is a formulation comprising about 1% ofHCO-60, about 0.05% octoxynol-40, and does not include an active agent.

In various embodiments of any of the aspects and embodiments describedherein, the formulation includes nanomicelles.

In some embodiments of the aspects and embodiments described herein, theformulation includes a polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid. In some embodimentsthe polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid is a polyoxyl castor oil. In someembodiments, the polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid is one or more selectedfrom HCO-40, HCO-60, HCO-80 or HCO-100. In some embodiments the polyoxyllipid or fatty acid (such as a polyoxyl castor oil such as HCO-60,HCO-80 or HCO-100) is present between 0.5 and 2%, or 0.7 and 2%, or 1and 6%; or 2 and 6%; or 2 and 6%; or 3 and 6%; or 4 and 6%; or 2 and 5%;or 3 and 5%; or 3 and 5%; or 2 and 6%; or about 4%; or greater than0.7%; or greater than 1%, or greater than 1.5%; or greater than 2%; orgreater than 3%; or greater than 4% by weight of the formulation. Insome embodiments the polyoxyl lipid is HCO-40. In some embodiments thepolyoxyl lipid is HCO-60. In some embodiments the polyoxyl lipid isHCO-80. In some embodiments the polyoxyl lipid is HCO-100.

In some embodiments of the aspects and embodiments disclosed herein, theformulation includes a polyalkoxylated alcohol. In some embodiments, theformulation includes a polyalkoxylated alcohol that is octoxynol-40. Insome embodiments, the formulation includes a polyalkoxylated alcohol(such as octoxynol-40) present between 0.002 and 4%; or between 0.005and 3%; or between 0.005 and 2%; or between 0.005 and 1%; or between0.005 and 0.5%; or between 0.005 and 0.1%; or between 0.005 and 0.05%;or between 0.008 and 0.02%; or between 0.01 and 0.1%; or between 0.02and 0.08%; or between 0.005 and 0.08%; or about 0.05%, or about 0.01% byweight of the formulation.

In certain aspects and embodiments disclosed herein, the formulations ofthe present disclosure are formulated in the absence of anypharmaceutically active agent, i.e., any non-lipid non-surfactantpharmaceutically active agent that has received regulatory approval forthe treatment of an ocular condition.

Exemplary active agents which are optionally excluded from theformulations of the present disclosure include one or more selected fromthe group consisting of calcineurin inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors,peptides, eicosanoids (e.g. prostacyclins and prostaglandins),anti-inflammatory drugs (such as NSAIDS), autonomic drugs (e.g.beta-blockers, alpha-blockers, beta-agonists, and alpha-agonists),biologics, gene therapy agents (e.g. viral vectors), anti-infectives(e.g. antifungals, antibiotics, and antivirals), retinoids, RNAi, photosensitizers, steroids (e.g., estrogens and derivatives thereof, andcorticosteroids), mixture drugs, immuno-modulators, chemotherapeuticagents, G-coupled protein receptor antagonists, receptor tyrosine kinase(RTK) inhibitors, growth hormone inhibitors, integrin inhibitors,Sdfl/CXCR4 pathway inhibitors, and nACh receptor antagonists, resolvins(resolvin-like compounds), lipoxins, neuroprotectins, maresins andoxylipins.

In some embodiments, the active ingredients which are optionallyexcluded from the formulations of the present disclosure include one ormore selected from the group consisting of cyclosporine A, voclosporin,ascomycin, tacrolimus, pimecrolimus, an analog thereof, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In one embodiment, the activeagent is cyclosporine A. In one embodiment, the active agent isvoclosporin.

In some embodiments, the active ingredients which are optionallyexcluded from the formulations of the present disclosure include one ormore selected from the group consisting of sirolimus (rapamycin),temsirolimus, everolimus, an analog thereof, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof.

In certain aspects and embodiments disclosed herein, the active agentswhich are optionally excluded from the formulations of the presentdisclosure include a resolvin or a resolvin-like compound. As usedherein a resolvin-like compound includes resolvins and compounds withsimilar structures and/or features. Resolvins and resolvin-likecompounds include a compound of formula A, a compound of any one offormulae 1-49, a compound of any one of formulae I-IX, a lipoxincompound, an oxylipin compound, a prodrug of any of the foregoing, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt of any of the foregoing. In someembodiments the active agent which is optionally excluded from theformulations of the present disclosure includes compounds selected froma compound of any one of Formulae 1 to 115.

In some embodiments of any of the aspects and embodiments disclosedherein, the active agent which is optionally excluded from theformulations of the present disclosure includes a compound of formula I,

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:

-   -   the stereochemistry of the carbon qq′ to carbon re double bond        is cis or trans;    -   the stereochemistry of the carbon ss' to carbon tt′ double bond        is cis or trans;    -   Re and Rf are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl,        alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, acyl (e.g., alkoxyacyl,        aminoacyl), aminocarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, or silyl;    -   E is a branched alkoxy such as isopropoxy, isobutoxy,        sec-butoxy, tert-butoxy, 3-methylbutoxy, 2,2-dimethylpropoxy, or        1,1,2-trimethylpropoxy;    -   Rh and Ri are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl,        alkenyl, alkynyl, perfluoroalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl;    -   R₅ is selected from i-iv as follows: i) CH₂CH(R₆)CH₂, where R₆        is hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, perfluoroalkyl, aryl,        heteroaryl, fluoro, hydroxyl or alkoxy; ii) CH₂C(R₆R₇)CH₂, where        R₆ and R₇ are each independently alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl,        perfluoroalkyl, aryl, or fluoro, or R₆ and R₇ are connected        together to form a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring; iii)        CH₂OCH₂, CH₂C(O)CH₂, or CH₂CH₂; or iv) R₅ is a carbocyclic,        heterocyclic, aryl or heteroaryl ring; and    -   R₈ and R₉ are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl,        alkenyl, alkynyl, perfluoroalkyl, alkoxy, aryl or heteroaryl, or        R₈ and R₉ are connected together to form a carbocyclic or        heterocyclic ring.

In certain embodiments, a compound of formula I which is optionallyexcluded from the formulations of the present disclosure is representedby formula II,

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:the stereochemistry of the carbon qq′ to carbon re double bond is cis ortrans;the stereochemistry of the carbon ss' to carbon tt′ double bond is cisor trans; andRe, Rf, R₅, and E are as defined above.

In certain embodiments, a compound of formula I or II is which isoptionally excluded from the formulations of the present disclosure isrepresented by formula III,

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:Re, Rf, and E are as defined above.

In some embodiments of any of the aspects disclosed herein, the activeagent which is optionally excluded from the formulations of the presentdisclosure is a compound of formula I, wherein: Re, Rf, Rh, Ri, R₈ andR₉ are hydrogen; E is branched alkoxy (such as isopropyl); and R₅ isCH₂CH₂CH₂.

In some embodiments of any of the aspects disclosed herein, the activeagent which is optionally excluded from the formulations of the presentdisclosure is a compound 1001 or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof.

The term “acyl” is art-recognized and refers to a group represented bythe general formula hydrocarbylC(O)—, preferably alkylC(O)—.

The term “acylamino” is art-recognized and refers to an amino groupsubstituted with an acyl group and may be represented, for example, bythe formula hydrocarbylC(O)NH—.

The term “acyloxy” is art-recognized and refers to a group representedby the general formula hydrocarbylC(O)O—, preferably alkylC(O)O—.

The term “alkoxy” refers to an alkyl group, preferably a lower alkylgroup, having an oxygen attached thereto. Representative alkoxy groupsinclude methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, tert-butoxy and the like.

The term “alkoxyalkyl” refers to an alkyl group substituted with analkoxy group and may be represented by the general formulaalkyl-O-alkyl.

The term “alkenyl”, as used herein, refers to an aliphatic groupcontaining at least one double bond and is intended to include both“unsubstituted alkenyls” and “substituted alkenyls”, the latter of whichrefers to alkenyl moieties having substituents replacing a hydrogen onone or more carbons of the alkenyl group. Such substituents may occur onone or more carbons that are included or not included in one or moredouble bonds. Moreover, such substituents include all those contemplatedfor alkyl groups, as discussed below, except where stability isprohibitive. For example, substitution of alkenyl groups by one or morealkyl, carbocyclyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl groups iscontemplated.

The term “alkyl” refers to the radical of saturated aliphatic groups,including straight-chain alkyl groups, branched-chain alkyl groups,cycloalkyl (alicyclic) groups, alkyl-substituted cycloalkyl groups, andcycloalkyl-substituted alkyl groups. In preferred embodiments, astraight chain or branched chain alkyl has 30 or fewer carbon atoms inits backbone (e.g., C₁-C₃₀ for straight chains, C₃-C₃₀ for branchedchains), and more preferably 20 or fewer. Likewise, preferredcycloalkyls have from 3-10 carbon atoms in their ring structure, andmore preferably have 5, 6 or 7 carbons in the ring structure.

Moreover, the term “alkyl” (or “lower alkyl”) as used throughout thespecification, examples, and claims is intended to include both“unsubstituted alkyls” and “substituted alkyls”, the latter of whichrefers to alkyl moieties having substituents replacing a hydrogen on oneor more carbons of the hydrocarbon backbone. Such substituents, if nototherwise specified, can include, for example, a halogen, a hydroxyl, acarbonyl (such as a carboxyl, an alkoxycarbonyl, a formyl, or an acyl),a thiocarbonyl (such as a thioester, a thioacetate, or a thioformate),an alkoxyl, a phosphoryl, a phosphate, a phosphonate, a phosphinate, anamino, an amido, an amidine, an imine, a cyano, a nitro, an azido, asulfhydryl, an alkylthio, a sulfate, a sulfonate, a sulfamoyl, asulfonamido, a sulfonyl, a heterocyclyl, an aralkyl, or an aromatic orheteroaromatic moiety. It will be understood by those skilled in the artthat the moieties substituted on the hydrocarbon chain can themselves besubstituted, if appropriate. For instance, the substituents of asubstituted alkyl may include substituted and unsubstituted forms ofamino, azido, imino, amido, phosphoryl (including phosphonate andphosphinate), sulfonyl (including sulfate, sulfonamido, sulfamoyl andsulfonate), and silyl groups, as well as ethers, alkylthios, carbonyls(including ketones, aldehydes, carboxylates, and esters), —CF₃, —CN andthe like. Exemplary substituted alkyls are described below. Cycloalkylscan be further substituted with alkyls, alkenyls, alkoxys, alkylthios,aminoalkyls, carbonyl-substituted alkyls, —CF₃, —CN, and the like.

The term “C_(x-y)” when used in conjunction with a chemical moiety, suchas, acyl, acyloxy, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, or alkoxy is meant toinclude groups that contain from x to y carbons in the chain. Forexample, the term “C_(x-y)alkyl” refers to substituted or unsubstitutedsaturated hydrocarbon groups, including straight-chain alkyl andbranched-chain alkyl groups that contain from x to y carbons in thechain, including haloalkyl groups such as trifluoromethyl and2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, etc. C₀ alkyl indicates a hydrogen where the groupis in a terminal position, a bond if internal. The terms“C_(2-y)alkenyl” and “C_(2-y)alkynyl” refer to substituted orunsubstituted unsaturated aliphatic groups analogous in length andpossible substitution to the alkyls described above, but that contain atleast one double or triple bond respectively.

The term “alkylamino”, as used herein, refers to an amino groupsubstituted with at least one alkyl group.

The term “alkylthio”, as used herein, refers to a thiol groupsubstituted with an alkyl group and may be represented by the generalformula alkylS-.

The term “alkynyl”, as used herein, refers to an aliphatic groupcontaining at least one triple bond and is intended to include both“unsubstituted alkynyls” and “substituted alkynyls”, the latter of whichrefers to alkynyl moieties having substituents replacing a hydrogen onone or more carbons of the alkynyl group. Such substituents may occur onone or more carbons that are included or not included in one or moretriple bonds. Moreover, such substituents include all those contemplatedfor alkyl groups, as discussed above, except where stability isprohibitive. For example, substitution of alkynyl groups by one or morealkyl, carbocyclyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl groups iscontemplated.

The term “amide”, as used herein, refers to a group

wherein each R¹⁰ independently represent a hydrogen or hydrocarbylgroup, or two R¹⁰ are taken together with the N atom to which they areattached complete a heterocycle having from 4 to 8 atoms in the ringstructure.

The terms “amine” and “amino” are art-recognized and refer to bothunsubstituted and substituted amines and salts thereof, e.g., a moietythat can be represented by

wherein each R¹⁰ independently represents a hydrogen or a hydrocarbylgroup, or two R¹⁰ are taken together with the N atom to which they areattached complete a heterocycle having from 4 to 8 atoms in the ringstructure.

The term “aminoalkyl”, as used herein, refers to an alkyl groupsubstituted with an amino group.

The term “aralkyl”, as used herein, refers to an alkyl group substitutedwith an aryl group.

The term “aryl” as used herein include substituted or unsubstitutedsingle-ring aromatic groups in which each atom of the ring is carbon.Preferably the ring is a 5- to 7-membered ring, more preferably a6-membered ring. The term “aryl” also includes polycyclic ring systemshaving two or more cyclic rings in which two or more carbons are commonto two adjoining rings wherein at least one of the rings is aromatic,e.g., the other cyclic rings can be cycloalkyls, cycloalkenyls,cycloalkynyls, aryls, heteroaryls, and/or heterocyclyls. Aryl groupsinclude benzene, naphthalene, phenanthrene, phenol, aniline, and thelike.

The term “carbamate” is art-recognized and refers to a group

wherein R⁹ and R¹⁰ independently represent hydrogen or a hydrocarbylgroup, such as an alkyl group, or R⁹ and R¹⁰ taken together with theintervening atom(s) complete a heterocycle having from 4 to 8 atoms inthe ring structure.

The terms “carbocycle”, “carbocyclyl”, and “carbocyclic”, as usedherein, refers to a non-aromatic saturated or unsaturated ring in whicheach atom of the ring is carbon. Preferably a carbocycle ring containsfrom 3 to 10 atoms, more preferably from 5 to 7 atoms.

The term “carbocyclylalkyl”, as used herein, refers to an alkyl groupsubstituted with a carbocycle group.

The term “carbonate” is art-recognized and refers to a group —OCO₂—R¹⁰,wherein R¹⁰ represents a hydrocarbyl group.

The term “carboxy”, as used herein, refers to a group represented by theformula —CO₂H.

The term “ester”, as used herein, refers to a group —C(O)OR¹⁰ whereinR¹⁰ represents a hydrocarbyl group.

The term “ether”, as used herein, refers to a hydrocarbyl group linkedthrough an oxygen to another hydrocarbyl group. Accordingly, an ethersubstituent of a hydrocarbyl group may be hydrocarbyl-O—. Ethers may beeither symmetrical or unsymmetrical. Examples of ethers include, but arenot limited to, heterocycle-O-heterocycle and aryl-O-heterocycle. Ethersinclude “alkoxyalkyl” groups, which may be represented by the generalformula alkyl-O-alkyl.

The terms “halo” and “halogen” as used herein means halogen and includeschloro, fluoro, bromo, and iodo.

The terms “hetaralkyl” and “heteroaralkyl”, as used herein, refers to analkyl group substituted with a hetaryl group.

The term “heteroalkyl”, as used herein, refers to a saturated orunsaturated chain of carbon atoms and at least one heteroatom, whereinno two heteroatoms are adjacent.

The terms “heteroaryl” and “hetaryl” include substituted orunsubstituted aromatic single ring structures, preferably 5- to7-membered rings, more preferably 5- to 6-membered rings, whose ringstructures include at least one heteroatom, preferably one to fourheteroatoms, more preferably one or two heteroatoms. The terms“heteroaryl” and “hetaryl” also include polycyclic ring systems havingtwo or more cyclic rings in which two or more carbons are common to twoadjoining rings wherein at least one of the rings is heteroaromatic,e.g., the other cyclic rings can be cycloalkyls, cycloalkenyls,cycloalkynyls, aryls, heteroaryls, and/or heterocyclyls. Heteroarylgroups include, for example, pyrrole, furan, thiophene, imidazole,oxazole, thiazole, pyrazole, pyridine, pyrazine, pyridazine, andpyrimidine, and the like.

The term “heteroatom” as used herein means an atom of any element otherthan carbon or hydrogen. Preferred heteroatoms are nitrogen, oxygen, andsulfur.

The terms “heterocyclyl”, “heterocycle”, and “heterocyclic” refer tosubstituted or unsubstituted non-aromatic ring structures, preferably 3-to 10-membered rings, more preferably 3- to 7-membered rings, whose ringstructures include at least one heteroatom, preferably one to fourheteroatoms, more preferably one or two heteroatoms. The terms“heterocyclyl” and “heterocyclic” also include polycyclic ring systemshaving two or more cyclic rings in which two or more carbons are commonto two adjoining rings wherein at least one of the rings isheterocyclic, e.g., the other cyclic rings can be cycloalkyls,cycloalkenyls, cycloalkynyls, aryls, heteroaryls, and/or heterocyclyls.Heterocyclyl groups include, for example, piperidine, piperazine,pyrrolidine, morpholine, lactones, lactams, and the like.

The term “heterocyclylalkyl”, as used herein, refers to an alkyl groupsubstituted with a heterocycle group.

The term “hydrocarbyl”, as used herein, refers to a group that is bondedthrough a carbon atom that does not have a ═O or ═S substituent, andtypically has at least one carbon-hydrogen bond and a primarily carbonbackbone, but may optionally include heteroatoms. Thus, groups likemethyl, ethoxyethyl, 2-pyridyl, and trifluoromethyl are considered to behydrocarbyl for the purposes of this application, but substituents suchas acetyl (which has a ═O substituent on the linking carbon) and ethoxy(which is linked through oxygen, not carbon) are not. Hydrocarbyl groupsinclude, but are not limited to aryl, heteroaryl, carbocycle,heterocycle, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, and combinations thereof.

The term “hydroxyalkyl”, as used herein, refers to an alkyl groupsubstituted with a hydroxy group.

The term “lower” when used in conjunction with a chemical moiety, suchas, acyl, acyloxy, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, or alkoxy is meant toinclude groups where there are ten or fewer non-hydrogen atoms in thesubstituent, preferably six or fewer. A “lower alkyl”, for example,refers to an alkyl group that contains ten or fewer carbon atoms,preferably six or fewer. In certain embodiments, acyl, acyloxy, alkyl,alkenyl, alkynyl, or alkoxy substituents defined herein are respectivelylower acyl, lower acyloxy, lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, lower alkynyl, orlower alkoxy, whether they appear alone or in combination with othersubstituents, such as in the recitations hydroxyalkyl and aralkyl (inwhich case, for example, the atoms within the aryl group are not countedwhen counting the carbon atoms in the alkyl substituent).

The terms “polycyclyl”, “polycycle”, and “polycyclic” refer to two ormore rings (e.g., cycloalkyls, cycloalkenyls, cycloalkynyls, aryls,heteroaryls, and/or heterocyclyls) in which two or more atoms are commonto two adjoining rings, e.g., the rings are “fused rings”. Each of therings of the polycycle can be substituted or unsubstituted. In certainembodiments, each ring of the polycycle contains from 3 to 10 atoms inthe ring, preferably from 5 to 7.

The term “silyl” refers to a silicon moiety with three hydrocarbylmoieties attached thereto.

The term “substituted” refers to moieties having substituents replacinga hydrogen on one or more carbons of the backbone. It will be understoodthat “substitution” or “substituted with” includes the implicit provisothat such substitution is in accordance with permitted valence of thesubstituted atom and the substituent, and that the substitution resultsin a stable compound, e.g., which does not spontaneously undergotransformation such as by rearrangement, cyclization, elimination, etc.As used herein, the term “substituted” is contemplated to include allpermissible substituents of organic compounds. In a broad aspect, thepermissible substituents include acyclic and cyclic, branched andunbranched, carbocyclic and heterocyclic, aromatic and non-aromaticsubstituents of organic compounds. The permissible substituents can beone or more and the same or different for appropriate organic compounds.For purposes of the present disclosure, the heteroatoms such as nitrogenmay have hydrogen substituents and/or any permissible substituents oforganic compounds described herein which satisfy the valences of theheteroatoms. Substituents can include any substituents described herein,for example, a halogen, a hydroxyl, a carbonyl (such as a carboxyl, analkoxycarbonyl, a formyl, or an acyl), a thiocarbonyl (such as athioester, a thioacetate, or a thioformate), an alkoxyl, a phosphoryl, aphosphate, a phosphonate, a phosphinate, an amino, an amido, an amidine,an imine, a cyano, a nitro, an azido, a sulfhydryl, an alkylthio, asulfate, a sulfonate, a sulfamoyl, a sulfonamido, a sulfonyl, aheterocyclyl, an aralkyl, or an aromatic or heteroaromatic moiety. Itwill be understood by those skilled in the art that the moietiessubstituted on the hydrocarbon chain can themselves be substituted, ifappropriate. Unless specifically stated as “unsubstituted,” referencesto chemical moieties herein are understood to include substitutedvariants. For example, reference to an “aryl” group or moiety implicitlyincludes both substituted and unsubstituted variants.

The term “sulfate” is art-recognized and refers to the group —OSO₃H, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

The term “sulfonamide” is art-recognized and refers to the grouprepresented by the general formulae

wherein R⁹ and R¹⁰ independently represents hydrogen or hydrocarbyl,such as alkyl, or R⁹ and R¹⁰ taken together with the intervening atom(s)complete a heterocycle having from 4 to 8 atoms in the ring structure.

The term “sulfoxide” is art-recognized and refers to the group—S(O)—R¹⁰, wherein R¹⁰ represents a hydrocarbyl.

The term “sulfonate” is art-recognized and refers to the group SO₃H, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

The term “sulfone” is art-recognized and refers to the group —S(O)₂—R¹⁰,wherein R¹⁰ represents a hydrocarbyl.

The term “thioalkyl”, as used herein, refers to an alkyl groupsubstituted with a thiol group.

The term “thioester”, as used herein, refers to a group —C(O)SR¹⁰ or—SC(O)R¹⁰ wherein R¹⁰ represents a hydrocarbyl.

The term “thioether”, as used herein, is equivalent to an ether, whereinthe oxygen is replaced with a sulfur.

The term “urea” is art-recognized and may be represented by the generalformula

wherein R⁹ and R¹⁰ independently represent hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl,such as alkyl, or either occurrence of R⁹ taken together with R¹⁰ andthe intervening atom(s) complete a heterocycle having from 4 to 8 atomsin the ring structure.

“Protecting group” refers to a group of atoms that, when attached to areactive functional group in a molecule, mask, reduce or prevent thereactivity of the functional group. Typically, a protecting group may beselectively removed as desired during the course of a synthesis.Examples of protecting groups can be found in Greene and Wuts,Protective Groups in Organic Chemistry, 3^(rd) Ed., 1999, John Wiley &Sons, NY and Harrison et al., Compendium of Synthetic Organic Methods,Vols. 1-8, 1971-1996, John Wiley & Sons, NY. Representative nitrogenprotecting groups include, but are not limited to, formyl, acetyl,trifluoroacetyl, benzyl, benzyloxycarbonyl (“CBZ”), tert-butoxycarbonyl(“Boc”), trimethylsilyl (“TMS”), 2-trimethylsilyl-ethanesulfonyl(“TES”), trityl and substituted trityl groups, allyloxycarbonyl,9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (“FMOC”), nitro-veratryloxycarbonyl(“NVOC”) and the like. Representative hydroxylprotecting groups include,but are not limited to, those where the hydroxyl group is eitheracylated (esterified) or alkylated such as benzyl and trityl ethers, aswell as alkyl ethers, tetrahydropyranyl ethers, trialkylsilyl ethers(e.g., TMS or TIPS groups), glycol ethers, such as ethylene glycol andpropylene glycol derivatives and allyl ethers.

The present disclosure further relates to treating or preventing oculardiseases or disorders, for example by local administration of theformulations as described herein.

A patient or subject to be treated by any of the compositions or methodsof the present disclosure can mean either a human or a non-human animal.In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides methods for thetreatment of an ocular disease in a human patient in need thereof. In anembodiment, the present disclosure provides methods for the treatment ofan inflammatory ocular disease in a human patient in need thereof. Inanother embodiment, the present disclosure provides methods for thetreatment of an ocular disease in a veterinary patient in need thereof,including, but not limited to dogs, horses, cats, rabbits, gerbils,hamsters, rodents, birds, aquatic mammals, cattle, pigs, camelids, andother zoological animals.

In some embodiments of the compositions and methods disclosed herein,the active agent, when present, may include a combination of two or moredifferent active ingredients. In some embodiments the active agent, whenpresent, may include two or more active agents selected from the groupconsisting of a resolvin or resolvin-like compound, a steroid (such as acorticosteroid), cyclosporine A, and voclosporin. In some embodimentsthe active agent, when present, may include a resolvin and cyclosporineA. In some embodiments the active agent, when present, may include aresolvin and a corticosteroid. In some embodiments the active agent,when present, may include cyclosporine A and a corticosteroid. In someembodiments, the active agent, when present, may include a resolvin,cyclosporine A and a corticosteroid. In some embodiments, the activeagent, when present, may include two or more active agents and one ofsaid active agents is an antibiotic, for example one or more antibioticsselected from the group consisting of azythromycin, ciprofloxacin,ofloxacin, gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, besifloxacin, andlevofloxacin. In some embodiments, the active agent, when present, mayinclude two or more active agents and one of the active agents is anantibiotic, for example one or more antibiotics selected from the groupconsisting of azythromycin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, gatifloxacin,levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, besifloxacin, and levofloxacin; and a secondof such agents is a resolvin such as described herein (including withoutlimitation compound 1001). In some embodiments, the active agent, whenpresent, may include two or more active agents and one of said activeagents is an antiviral, for example one or more antivirals selected fromthe group consisting of ganciclovir, trifluridine, acyclovir,famciclovir, valacyclovir, penciclovir and cidofovir. In someembodiments, the active agent, when present, may include two or moreactive agents and one of the active agents is an antibiotic, for exampleone or more antivirals selected from the group consisting ofganciclovir, trifluridine, acyclovir, famciclovir, valacyclovir,penciclovir and cidofovir; and a second of the active agents is aresolvin such as described herein (including without limitation compound1001).

The term “treating” refers to: preventing a disease, disorder orcondition from occurring in a cell, a tissue, a system, animal or humanwhich may be predisposed to the disease, disorder and/or condition buthas not yet been diagnosed as having it; stabilizing a disease, disorderor condition, i.e., arresting its development; and/or relieving one ormore symptoms of the disease, disorder or condition, i.e., causingregression of the disease, disorder and/or condition.

As used herein, a therapeutic that “prevents” a disorder or conditionrefers to a compound that, in a statistical sample, reduces theoccurrence of the disorder or condition in the treated sample relativeto an untreated control sample, or delays the onset or reduces theseverity of one or more symptoms of the disorder or condition relativeto the untreated control sample.

As used herein, the terms “ocular disease,” “ocular condition,” “eyedisease,” and “eye condition” refer to diseases/conditions of the eye(s)that can be sight threatening, lead to eye discomfort, and may signalsystemic health problems.

As used herein, the term “anterior segment disease” refers to alldisorders that affect the eye surface, anterior chamber, iris andciliary body and lens of the eye. The eye surface is composed of thecornea, conjunctiva, eyelids, lacrimal and meibomian glands, and theinterconnecting nerves.

As used herein, the terms “posterior segment eye disease” and“back-of-the-eye disease” refer to all disorders that affect theposterior segment of the eye. A posterior eye disease is a disease whichprimarily affects a posterior ocular site such as choroid or sclera,vitreous, vitreous chamber, retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels andnerves which vascularize or innervate a posterior ocular site.

Accordingly, in one aspect, provided is a method treating or preventingan ocular disease or condition, that includes locally administering aformulation of any of the aspects or embodiments as disclosed herein. Insome embodiments, the ocular disease is an anterior segment disease. Insome embodiments, the ocular disease is a posterior segment disease. Insome embodiments, the ocular disease is one or more selected from thegroup consisting of dry eye syndrome, Sjogren's syndrome, uveitis,anterior uveitis (iritis), chorioretinitis, posterior uveitis,conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, keratitis,keratoconjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), atopickeratoconjunctivitis, systemic immune mediated diseases such ascicatrizing conjunctivitis and other autoimmune disorders of the ocularsurface, blepharitis, scleritis, age-related macular degeneration (AMD),diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic macular edema (DME), ocularneovascularization, age-related macular degeneration (ARMD),proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis,optic neuritis, retrobulbar neuritis, and macular pucker. In oneembodiment, the ocular disease is dry eye. In one embodiment, the oculardisease is allergic conjunctivitis. In one embodiment the ocular diseaseis age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In one embodiment the oculardisease is diabetic retinopathy. In one aspect, a formulation of any ofthe aspects or embodiments disclosed herein are used as artificialtears; for example the formulations may be used to moisten and lubricateeyes. The formulations provided herein may also, or alternatively, beused to moisten contact lenses or to moisten eyes in the presence ofcontact lenses. In certain embodiments the formulations provided hereinmay be “over-the-counter”; ie offered directly to a consumer without theneed for a prescription from a health care provider.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Active Agents

In accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the methods andcompositions provided herein, the formulations of the present disclosureare formulated in the absence of any pharmaceutically active agent,i.e., any non-lipid non-surfactant pharmaceutically active agent thathas received regulatory approval for the treatment of an ocularcondition.

In some embodiments, active agents that may be specifically excludedfrom various embodiments of the formulations herein may be any agentcapable of affecting a biological process, especially agents that havereceived regulatory approval for the treatment of an ocular condition.Active agents (the term active ingredient is used herein interchangablywith the term active agent) contemplated for exclusion herein mayinclude drugs, hormones, cytokines, toxins, therapeutic agents,vitamins, and the like. In some embodiments active agents contemplatedfor exclusion herein in accordance with the aspects and embodimentsdisclosed herein are agents capable of, or approved for, treating orpreventing a disease or condition, for example in some embodiments anactive agent is capable of, or approved for, treating or preventing anocular disease or condition.

The compositions of the present disclosure can be used as a topicallyapplied or locally injected drug delivery platform for delivery of avariety of active agents including hydrophobic, water-insoluble drugs.Active agents for which delivery may be enhanced by compositions of thepresent disclosure, but which may be excluded from compositions of thepresent disclosure, may include calcineurin inhibitors or mTORinhibitors, peptides, eicosanoids (e.g. prostacyclins andprostaglandins), anti-inflammatory drugs, autonomic drugs (e.g.beta-blockers, alpha-blockers, beta-agonists, and alpha-agonists),biologics, gene therapy agents (e.g. viral vectors), anti-infectives(e.g. antifungals, antibiotics, and antivirals), retinoids, RNAi, photosensitizers, steroids (e.g., estrogens and derivatives thereof), mixturedrugs, immuno-modulators, chemotherapeutic agents, G-coupled proteinreceptor antagonists, receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitors, growthhormone inhibitors, integrin inhibitors, Sdfl/CXCR4 pathway inhibitors,and nACh receptor antagonists, resolvins, lipoxins, oxylipins and thelike. In some embodiments, the active agent for which delivery may beenhanced by compositions of the present disclosure, but which may beexcluded from compositions of the present disclosure, is acorticosteroid, including prednisolone, hydrocortisone, triamcinoloneand budesonide. In certain embodiments the active ingredient for whichdelivery may be enhanced by compositions of the present disclosure, butwhich may be excluded from compositions of the present disclosure, maybe a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), for example Cox-2inhibitors such as celecoxib, ruboxistaurin and nimesulide. In certainembodiments an active agent for which delivery may be enhanced bycompositions of the present disclosure, but which may be excluded fromcompositions of the present disclosure, may be an anti-growth factormolecule including, but are not limited to, vascular endothelial growthfactor (VEGF) inhibitors such as, pegaptanib (macugen), ranibizumab(lucentis), and bevacizumab (avastin). In some embodiments, the activeagent for which delivery may be enhanced by compositions of the presentdisclosure, but which may be excluded from compositions of the presentdisclosure, is an antibiotic, for example one or more antibioticsselected from the group consisting of azythromycin, ciprofloxacin,ofloxacin, gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, besifloxacin, andlevofloxacin. In some embodiments, the active agent for which deliverymay be enhanced by compositions of the present disclosure, but which maybe excluded from compositions of the present disclosure, is anantiviral, for example one or more antivirals selected from the groupconsisting of ganciclovir, trifluridine, acyclovir, famciclovir,valacyclovir, penciclovir and cidofovir.

In some embodiments, when compositions of the present disclosure includean active agent, a combination of two active agents may be used,including but not limited to a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)inhibitor and an antagonist of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF).

In some embodiments of any of the aspects and embodiments disclosedherein, when compositions of the present disclosure include an activeagent, the following active agents may be excluded from compositions ofthe present disclosure: calcineurin inhibitors such as cyclosporine A,voclosporin, ascomycin, tacrolimus, pimecrolimus, an analog thereof, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In some embodiments of any of the aspects and embodiments disclosedherein, when compositions of the present disclosure include an activeagent, the following active agents may be excluded from compositions ofthe present disclosure: a mTOR inhibitor such as sirolimus (rapamycin),temsirolimus, everolimus, an analog thereof, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof.

Resolvins, Lipoxins and the Like

In some aspects and embodiments as described herein, when compositionsof the present disclosure include an active agent, resolvins areexcluded as the active agent. In certain aspects and embodiments, whencompositions of the present disclosure include an active agent,compounds of formula A are excluded as the active agent, compounds ofany one of formulae 1-49 are excluded as the active agent, compounds ofany one of formulae I-IX are excluded as the active agent, lipoxincompounds are excluded as the active agent, oxylipin compounds areexcluded as the active agent, prodrug of any of the foregoing, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt of any of the foregoing are excluded asthe active agent.

Compounds optionally excluded from use as active agents in accordancewith the aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure, whencompositions of the present disclosure include an active agent, includethose of Formula A,

wherein:

-   -   each of W′ and Y′ is a bond or a linker independently selected        from a ring containing up to 20 atoms or a chain of up to 20        atoms, provided that W′ and Y′ can independently include one or        more nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur or phosphorous atoms, further        provided that W′ and Y′ can independently include one or more        substituents independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl,        alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, chloro, iodo, bromo, fluoro,        hydroxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, carboxy, amino, alkylamino,        dialkylamino, acylamino, carboxamido, cyano, oxo, thio,        alkylthio, arylthio, acylthio, alkylsulfonate, arylsulfonate,        phosphoryl, or sulfonyl, further provided that W′ and Y′ can        independently contain one or more fused carbocyclic,        heterocyclic, aryl or heteroaryl rings, and further provided        that when o′ is 0, and V₁ is

-   -    Y′ is connected to V₁ via a carbon atom;    -   V₁ is selected from

-   -    wherein when q′ is 0 and V₃ is a bond, n′ is 0 or 1; otherwise        n′ is 1;    -   V₂ is selected from a bond,

wherein:

-   -   L′ is selected from —C(R¹⁰⁰³)(R¹⁰⁰⁴)—, wherein each of R¹⁰⁰³ and        R¹⁰⁰⁴ is independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl,        alkynyl, perfluoroalkyl, alkoxy, aryl or heteroaryl, or R¹⁰⁰³        and R¹⁰⁰⁴ are connected together to form a carbocyclic or        heterocyclic ring; when V₃ is

-   -    L′ is additionally selected from W′; and n′ is 0 or 1;    -   V₃ is selected from a bond or

-   -    wherein:        -   each R¹⁰⁰¹ and R¹⁰⁰² is independently for each occurrence            selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl,            heteroaryl, alkylaryl, alkoxy, or halo, wherein said alkyl-            or aryl-containing moiety is optionally substituted with up            to 3 independently selected substituents;        -   each of R^(a′) and R^(b′) is independently for each            occurrence selected from —OR′ or —N(R′)₂, or adjacent R^(a′)            and R^(b′) are taken together to form an epoxide ring having            a cis or trans configuration, wherein each R′ is            independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl,            alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, acyl, silyl, alkoxyacyl,            aminoacyl, aminocarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, or a protecting            group;        -   or when V₁ is

-   -   -    and V₂ is

-   -   -    R¹⁰⁰² and R^(b′) are both hydrogen;

    -   X′ is selected from —CN, —C(NH)N(R″)(R″), —C(S)-A′, —C(S)R″,        —C(O)-A′, —C(O)—R″, —C(O)—SR″, —C(O)—NH—S(O)₂—R″, —S(O)₂-A′,        —S(O)₂—R″, S(O)₂N(R″)(R″), —P(O)₂-A′, —PO(OR″)-A′, -tetrazole,        alkyltetrazole, or —CH₂OH, wherein        -   A′ is selected from —OR″, —N(R″)(R″) or —OM′;        -   each R″ is independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl,            aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl or a detectable            label molecule, wherein any alkyl-, aryl- or            heteroaryl-containing moiety is optionally substituted with            up to 3 independently selected substituents; and        -   M′ is a cation;

    -   G′ is selected from hydrogen, halo, hydroxy, alkyl, aryl,        arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, alkoxy, aryloxy,        carboxy, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, acylamino, carboxamido        or a detectable label molecule, wherein any alkyl-, aryl- or        heteroaryl-containing moiety is optionally substituted with up        to 3 independently selected substituents;

    -   o′ is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5;

    -   p′ is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5;

    -   q′ is 0, 1, or 2; and

    -   o′+p′+q′ is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6;        wherein:

    -   if V₂ is a bond, then q′ is 0, and V₃ is a bond;

    -   if V₃ is

-   -    then o′ is 0, V₁ is

-   -    p′ is 1 and V₂ is

-   -   any acyclic double bond may be in a cis or a trans configuration        or is optionally replaced by a triple bond; and    -   either one

-   -    portion of the compound, if present, is optionally replaced by

-   -    or one

-   -    portion of the compound, if present, is optionally replaced by

-   -    wherein Q′ represents one or more substituents and each Q′ is        independently selected from halo, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl,        cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylcarbonyl,        arylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, amino, hydroxy,        cyano, carboxyl, alkoxycarbonyloxy, aryloxycarbonyloxy or        aminocarbonyl.

In certain embodiments, V₁ is selected from

In certain embodiments, V₂ is selected from a bond,

In certain embodiments, when q′ is 0 and V₃ is a bond, n′ is 0 or 1;otherwise n′ is 1.

In certain embodiments, p′ is 0, 1, 2, 3, or 5.

In certain embodiments, q′ is 0 or 1.

In certain embodiments, if V₁ is

then o′ is 0 or 1, p′ is 1 or 2, o′+p′ is 1 or 2, V₂ is

and V₃ is a bond.

In certain embodiments, if V₁ is

then o′ is 3, 4 or 5, p′ is 0, 1 or 2, o′+p′ is 4 or 5, and V₂ is abond.

In certain embodiments, if V₂ is a bond, then o′ is 0, 3, 4 or 5; p′ is0, 1, 2 or 5, o′+p′ is 4 or 5, q′ is 0, and V₃ is a bond.

In certain embodiments, each of W′ and Y′ is independently selected froma bond or lower alkyl or heteroalkyl optionally substituted with one ormore substituents independently selected from alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl,chloro, iodo, bromo, fluoro, hydroxy, amino, or oxo.

In certain embodiments, the compound of formula A is other than acompound of formulae 48, 48a, 48b, 48c, or 48d.

In certain embodiments of Formula A, when o′ is 2, V₁ is

p′ is 1, V₂ is

q′ is 1, and V₃ is a bond, at least one occurrence of R¹⁰⁰¹ is otherthan hydrogen.

Compounds optionally excluded from use as active agents of thedisclosure include those of Formula 1,

wherein:

-   Carbons a′ and b′ are connected by a double bond or a triple bond;-   Carbons c′ and d′ are connected by a double bond or a triple bond;-   Re, Rf, and Rg are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl,    alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, acyl (e.g., alkoxyacyl,    aminoacyl), aminocarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, or silyl;-   Rh, Ri and Rj are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl,    alkenyl, alkynyl, perfluoroalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl;-   I is selected from —C(O)-E, —SO₂-E, —PO(OR)-E, where E is hydroxy,    alkoxy, aryloxy, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, or arylamino; and    R is hydrogen or alkyl;-   J, L and H are linkers independently selected from a ring containing    up to 20 atoms or a chain of up to 20 atoms, provided that J, L and    H can independently include one or more nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur or    phosphorous atoms, and further provided that J, L and H can    independently include one or more substituents selected from    hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, chloro, iodo,    bromo, fluoro, hydroxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, carboxy, amino, alkylamino,    dialkylamino, acylamino, carboxamido, cyano, oxo, thio, alkylthio,    arylthio, acylthio, alkylsulfonate, arylsulfonate, phosphoryl, and    sulfonyl, and further provided that J, L and H can also contain one    or more fused carbocyclic, heterocyclic, aryl or heteroaryl rings,    and provided that linker J is connected to the adjacent C(R)OR group    via a carbon atom;-   G is selected from hydrogen, alkyl, perfluoroalkyl, alkenyl,    alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, chloro, iodo, bromo, fluoro, hydroxy,    alkoxy, aryloxy, carboxy, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino,    acylamino, or carboxamido;    or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of thecompound is formed by derivatizing E, wherein E is —OM, where M is acation selected from ammonium, tetra-alkyl ammonium, Na, K, Mg, and Zn.

In certain embodiments, when compositions of the present disclosureinclude an active agent, a compound of formula 1, represented by formula2 is optionally excluded from such compositions:

wherein:E, Re, Rf, and Rg are as defined above.

In certain embodiments, when compositions of the present disclosureinclude an active agent, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of thecompound formed by derivatizing E, wherein E is —OM, where M is a cationselected from ammonium, tetra-alkyl ammonium, Na, K, Mg, and Zn isoptionally excluded from such compositions.

Exemplary compounds of formula 2 optionally excluded from suchcompositions include compound 2a,

In certain embodiments, when compositions of the present disclosureinclude an active agent, a compound of formula 1, represented by formula3, is optionally excluded from such compositions

wherein:E, Re, Rf, and Rg are as defined above.

In certain embodiments, when compositions of the present disclosureinclude an active agent, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of thecompound formed by derivatizing E, wherein E is —OM, where M is a cationselected from ammonium, tetra-alkyl ammonium, Na, K, Mg, and Zn isoptionally excluded from such compositions.

Exemplary compounds of formula 3 optionally excluded from suchcompositions include compound 3a,

and compound 3b,

Further exemplary compounds of formula 1 optionally excluded from suchcompositions include Compound X,

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof.

Other compounds optionally excluded for use as active ingredients insuch compositions, when compositions of the present disclosure includean active agent, include those of Formula 4,

wherein:

-   A is H or —OP₄;-   P₁, P₂ and P₄ each individually is a protecting group or hydrogen    atom;-   R₁ and R₂ each individually is a substituted or unsubstituted,    branched or unbranched alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group, substituted    or unsubstituted aryl group, substituted or unsubstituted, branched    or unbranched alkylaryl group, halogen atom, hydrogen atom;-   Z is —C(O)OR^(d), —C(O)NR^(c)R^(c), —C(O)H, —C(NH)NR^(c)R^(c),    —C(S)H, —C(S)OR^(d), —C(S)NR^(c)R^(c), —CN, preferably a carboxylic    acid, ester, amide, thioester, thiocarboxamide or a nitrile;-   each R^(a), if present, is independently selected from hydrogen,    (C1-C6) alkyl, (C2-C6) alkenyl, (C2-C6) alkynyl, (C3-C8) cycloalkyl,    cyclohexyl, (C4-C11) cycloalkylalkyl, (C5-C10) aryl, phenyl,    (C6-C16) arylalkyl, benzyl, 2-6 membered heteroalkyl, 3-8 membered    heterocyclyl, morpholinyl, piperazinyl, homopiperazinyl,    piperidinyl, 4-11 membered heterocyclylalkyl, 5-10 membered    heteroaryl and 6-16 membered heteroarylalkyl;-   each R^(b), if present, is a suitable group independently selected    from ═O, —OR^(d), (C1-C3) haloalkyloxy, —OCF₃, ═S, —SR^(d), ═NR^(d),    ═NOR^(d), —NR^(c)R^(c), halogen, —CF₃, —CN, —NC, —OCN, —SCN, —NO,    —NO₂, ═N₂, —N₃, —S(O)R^(d), —S(O)₂R^(d), —S(O)₂OR^(d),    —S(O)NR^(c)R^(c), —S(O)₂NR^(c)R^(c), —OS(O)R^(d), —OS(O)₂R^(d),    —OS(O)₂OR^(d), —OS(O)₂NR^(c)R^(c), —C(O)R^(d), —C(O)OR^(d),    —C(O)NR^(c)R^(c), —C(NH)NR^(c)R^(c), —C(NR^(a))NR^(c)R^(c),    —C(NOH)R^(a), —C(NOH)NR^(c)R^(c), —OC(O)R^(d), —OC(O)OR^(d),    —OC(O)NR^(c)R^(c), —OC(NH)NR^(c)R^(c), —OC(NR^(a))NR^(c)R^(c),    —[NHC(O)]_(n)R^(d), —[NR^(a)C(O)]_(n)R^(d), [NHC(O)]_(n)OR^(d),    —[NR^(a)C(O)]_(n)OR^(d), [NHC(O)]_(n)NR^(c)R^(c),    —[NR^(a)C(O)]_(n)NR^(c)R^(c), —[NHC(NH)]_(n)NR^(c)R^(c) and    —[NR^(a)C(NR^(a))]_(n)NR^(c)R^(c);-   each R^(c), if present, is independently a protecting group or    R^(a), or, alternatively, two R^(c) taken together with the nitrogen    atom to they are bonded form a 5 to 8-membered heterocyclyl or    heteroaryl which optionally including one or more additional    heteroatoms and optionally substituted with one or more of the same    or different R^(a) or suitable R^(b) groups;-   each n independently is an integer from 0 to 3;-   each R^(d) independently is a protecting group or R^(a);-   or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Exemplary compounds of formula 4 optionally excluded from suchcompositions include compound 4a,

compound 4b,

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof.

Other compounds optionally excluded for use as active agents in suchcompositions, when compositions of the present disclosure include anactive agent, include those of Formula 5,

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:the stereochemistry of the carbon ii′ to carbon jj′ bond is cis ortrans;P₃ is a protecting group or hydrogen atom; andP₁, P₂, R₁ and Z are as defined above in formula 4.

In certain embodiments, the stereochemistry of the carbon ii′ to carbonjj′ bond is trans.

Exemplary compounds of formula 5 optionally excluded from suchcompositions include compound 5a,

compound 5b,

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof.

Other compounds optionally excluded for use as active agents in suchcompositions, when compositions of the present disclosure include anactive agent, include those of Formula 6,

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:

-   the stereochemistry of the carbon gg′ to carbon hh′ bond is cis or    trans;-   each X represents hydrogen or taken together both X groups represent    one substituted or unsubstituted methylene, an oxygen atom, a    substituted or unsubstituted N atom, or a sulfur atom such that a    three-membered ring is formed; and-   P₁, P₂, P₃, R₁ and Z are as defined above.

In certain embodiments, the stereochemistry of the carbon gg′ to carbonhh′ bond is trans.

Exemplary compounds of formula 6 is optionally excluded from suchcompositions include compound 6a,

compound 6b,

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof.

Other compounds optionally excluded for use as active agents in suchcompositions, when compositions of the present disclosure include anactive agent, include those of Formula 7,

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:

-   Carbons e′ and f are connected by a double bond or a triple bond,    and when carbon e′ is connected to carbon f through a double bond    the stereochemistry is cis or trans;-   Carbons g′ and h′ are connected by a double bond or a triple bond    and when carbon g′ is connected to carbon h′ through a double bond    the stereochemistry is cis or trans;-   m is 0 or 1;-   T′ is hydrogen, (C1-C6) alkyl, (C2-C6) alkenyl, (C2-C6) alkynyl,    (C5-C14) aryl, (C6-C16) arylalkyl, 5-14 membered heteroaryl, 6-16    membered heteroarylalkyl, or —CH═CHCH₂CH₃;-   T is —(CH₂)_(q)— or —(CH₂)_(q)—O—, where q is an integer from 0 to    6;-   Z′ is (C1-C6) alkylene optionally substituted with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or    6 of the same or different halogen atoms, —(CH₂)_(p)—O—CH₂— or    —(CH₂)_(m)—S—CH₂—, where p is an integer from 0 to 4; R₁₁, R₁₂ and    R₁₃ each individually is substituted or unsubstituted, branched or    unbranched alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group, substituted or    unsubstituted aryl group, substituted or unsubstituted, branched or    unbranched alkylaryl group, C₁₋₄alkoxy, halogen atom, —CH₂R₁₄,    —CHR₁₄R₁₄, —CR₁₄R₁₄R₁₄, or a hydrogen atom;-   R₁₄ is independently for each occurrence selected from —CN, —NO₂ or    halogen; and-   P₁, P₂, P₃, and Z are as defined above.

In certain embodiments, carbons e′ and f are connected by a cis doublebond.

In certain embodiments, carbons g′ and h′ are connected by a doublebond.

In certain embodiments, carbons e′ and f are connected by a cis doublebond and carbons g′ and h′ are connected by a double bond.

Exemplary compounds of formula 7 optionally excluded from suchcompositions include compound 7a,

compound 7b,

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof.

Other compounds optionally excluded for use as active agents in suchcompositions, when compositions of the present disclosure include anactive agent, include those of Formula 8,

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:

-   the stereochemistry of the carbon i′ to carbon j′ bond is cis or    trans;-   m is 0 or 1;-   D′ is CH₃, —CH═CHCH₂U or —CH═CHCH₂CH₂A;-   U is a branched or unbranched, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl,    alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, alkylcarbonyl,    arylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyloxy,    and aryloxycarbonyloxy group;-   A is H or —OP₄;-   P₁, P₂, P₄, R₁, R₂ and Z are as defined above.

In certain embodiments, the stereochemistry of the carbon i′ to carbonj′ bond is cis.

Exemplary compounds of formula 8 optionally excluded from suchcompositions include compound 8a,

compound 8b,

compound 8c,

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof.

Other compounds optionally excluded for use as active agents in suchcompositions, when compositions of the present disclosure include anactive agent, include those of Formula 9,

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:

-   Carbons k′ and l′ are connected by a double bond or a triple bond,    and when carbon k′ is connected to carbon l′ through a double bond    the stereochemistry is cis or trans;-   the stereochemistry of the carbon m′ to carbon n′ double bond is cis    or trans;-   m is 0 or 1;-   D is —CH₃ or —CH═CHCH₂CH₃;-   P₁, P₂, P₃, R₁, X, and Z are as defined above.

In certain embodiments, the stereochemistry of the carbon m′ to carbonn′ double bond is cis.

In certain embodiments, carbons k′ and l′ are connected by a cis doublebond.

In certain embodiments, the stereochemistry of the carbon m′ to carbonn′ double bond is cis and carbons k′ and l′ are connected by a cisdouble bond.

Exemplary compounds of formula 9 optionally excluded from suchcompositions include compound 9a,

compound 9b,

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof.

Other compounds optionally excluded for use as active agents in suchcompostions, when compositions of the present disclosure include anactive agent, include those of Formula 10,

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:

-   P₁, P₂, P₃, R₁ and Z are as defined above; and-   Q represents one or more substituents and each Q individually, if    present, is a halogen atom or a branched or unbranched, substituted    or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkoxy,    aryloxy, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl,    aryloxycarbonyl, amino, hydroxy, cyano, carboxyl, alkoxycarbonyloxy,    aryloxycarbonyloxy or aminocarbonyl group.

Other compounds optionally excluded for use as active agents in suchcompositions, when compositions of the present disclosure include anactive agent, include those of Formula 11,

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:P₁, P₂, P₃, R₁, and Z are as defined above.

Other compounds optionally excluded for use as active agents in suchcompositions, when compositions of the present disclosure include anactive agent, include those of Formula 12,

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, whereinP₁, P₂, P₃, Q, R₁, and Z are as defined above.

Other compounds optionally excluded for use as active agents in suchcompositions, when compositions of the present disclosure include anactive agent, include those of Formula 13,

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:P₁, P₂, R₁, R₂, U, and Z are as defined above.

Other compounds optionally excluded for use as active agents in suchcompositions, when compositions of the present disclosure include anactive agent, include those of Formula 14,

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:P₁, P₂, R₁, R₂, Q, and Z are as defined above.

Other compounds optionally excluded for use as active agents in suchcompositions, when compositions of the present disclosure include anactive agent, include those of Formula 15,

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:P₁, P₂, and Z are as defined above.

Other compounds optionally excluded for use as active agents in suchcompositions, when compositions of the present disclosure include anactive agent, include those of Formula 16,

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:P₁ and Z are as defined above.

Other compounds optionally excluded for use as active agents in suchcompositions, when compositions of the present disclosure include anactive agent, include those of Formula 17,

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:

-   Carbons o′ and p′ are connected by a single or a double bond (e.g.,    a cis or trans double bond);-   Carbons q′ and r′ are connected by a single or a double bond (e.g.,    a cis or trans double bond); and-   P₁, P₂, and Z are as defined above.

Other compounds optionally excluded for use as active agents in suchcompositions, when compositions of the present disclosure include anactive agent, include those of Formula 18,

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:the stereochemistry of the carbon s′ to carbon t′ double bond is cis ortrans;the stereochemistry of the carbon u′ to carbon v′ double bond is cis ortrans; andP₁, P₂, R₁, R₂, and Z are as defined above.

Other compounds optionally excluded for use as active agents in suchcompositions, when compositions of the present disclosure include anactive agent, include those of Formula 19,

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:Carbons w′ and x′ are connected by a single or a double bond;Carbons y′ and z′ are connected by a single or a double bond; andP₁, P₂, and Z are as defined above.

In certain embodiments of formulae 4 to 19, each R^(b), if present, is asuitable group independently selected from ═O, —OR^(d), (C1-C3)haloalkyloxy, —OCF₃, ═S, —SR^(d), ═NR^(d), ═NOR^(d), —NR^(c)R^(c),halogen, —CF₃, —CN, —NC, —OCN, —SCN, —NO, —NO₂, ═N₂, —N₃, —S(O)R^(d),—S(O)₂R^(d), —S(O)₂OR^(d), —S(O)NR^(c)R^(c), —S(O)₂NR^(c)R^(c),—OS(O)R^(d), —OS(O)₂R^(d), —OS(O)₂OR^(d), —OS(O)₂NR^(c)R^(c),—C(O)R^(d), —C(O)OR^(d), —C(O)NR^(c)R^(c), —C(NH)NR^(c)R^(c),—C(NR^(a))NR^(c)R^(c), —C(NOH)R^(a), —C(NOH)NR^(c)R^(c), —OC(O)R^(d),—OC(O)OR^(d), —OC(O)NR^(c)R^(c), —OC(NH)NR^(c)R^(c),—OC(NR^(a))NR^(c)R^(c), —[NHC(O)]_(n)R^(d), —[NR^(a)C(O)]_(n)R^(d),—[NHC(O)]_(n)OR^(d), [NHC(O)]_(n)NR^(c)R^(c),—[NR^(a)C(O)]_(n)NR^(c)R^(c), —[NHC(NH)]_(n)NR^(c)R^(c) and—[NR^(a)C(NR^(a))]_(n)NR^(c)R^(c).

Other compounds optionally excluded for use as active agents in suchcompounds, when compositions of the present disclosure include an activeagent, include those of

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts of any of the above, whereineach P is individually selected from H or a protecting group; andR is H, C₁₋₆alkyl (e.g., methyl, ethyl, glycerol), C₂₋₆alkenyl orC₂₋₆alkynyl.

Exemplary compounds of formula 21 is optionally excluded from suchcompositions include compound 21a,

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof.

Other compounds optionally excluded for use as active agents in suchcompositions, when compositions of the present disclosure include anactive agent, include those of Formula 29,

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates and solvates thereof,wherein:

-   D₁-E₁ and F₁-G₁ are independently are cis or trans —C═C— or —C≡C—;-   R₁₀₁, R₁₀₂ and R₁₀₃ are independently selected from hydrogen,    (C1-C4) straight-chained or branched alkyl, (C2-C4) alkenyl, (C2-C4)    alkynyl, (C1-C4) alkoxy, —CH₂R₁₀₄, —CHR₁₀₄R₁₀₄ and —CR₁₀₄R₁₀₄R₁₀₄;-   each R₁₀₄ is independently selected from CN, —NO₂ and halogen;-   W₁ is selected from —R₁₀₅, —OR₁₀₅, —SR₁₀₅ and —NR₁₀₅R₁₀₅;-   each R₁₀₅ is independently selected from hydrogen, (C1-C6) alkyl,    (C2-C6) alkenyl or (C2-C6) alkynyl optionally substituted with one    or more of the same or different R groups, (C5-C14) aryl optionally    substituted with one or more of the same or different R groups,    phenyl optionally substituted with one or more of the same or    different R groups, (C6-C16) arylalkyl optionally substituted with    one or more of the same or different R groups, 5-14 membered    heteroaryl optionally substituted with one or more of the same or    different R groups, 6-16 membered heteroarylalkyl optionally    substituted with one or more of the same or different R groups and a    detectable label molecule;-   A₁ is selected from (C1-C6) alkylene optionally substituted with 1,    2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 of the same or different halogen atoms,    —(CH₂)_(m)—O—CH₂— and —(CH₂)_(m)—S—CH₂—, where m is an integer from    0 to 4;-   X₁ is selected from —(CH₂)_(n)— and —(CH₂)_(n)—O—, where n is an    integer from 0 to 6;-   Y₁ is selected from hydrogen, (C1-C6) alkyl, (C2-C6) alkenyl, or    (C2-C6) alkynyl, optionally substituted with one or more of the same    or different R₁₀₀ groups, (C5-C14) aryl optionally substituted with    one or more of the same or different R₁₀₀ groups, phenyl, optionally    substituted with one or more of the same or different R₁₀₀ groups,    (C6-C16) arylalkyl optionally substituted with one or more of the    same or different R₁₀₀ groups, 5-14 membered heteroaryl optionally    substituted with one or more of the same or different R₁₀₀ groups,    6-16 membered heteroarylalkyl optionally substituted with one or    more of the same or different R₁₀₀ groups and a detectable label    molecule;-   each R₁₀₀ is independently selected from an electronegative group,    ═O, —OR^(a1), (C1-C3) haloalkyloxy, ═S, —SR^(a1), ═NR^(a1),    ═NONR^(a1), —NR^(c1)R^(c1), halogen, —CF₃, —CN, —NC, —OCN, —SCN,    —NO, —NO₂, ═N₂, —N₃, —S(O)R^(a1), —S(O)₂OR^(a1), —S(O)₂OR^(a1),    —S(O)₂NR^(c1)R^(c1), —OS(O)R^(a1), —OS(O)₂R^(a1), —OS(O)₂OR^(a1),    —OS(O)₂NR^(c1)R^(c1), —C(O)R^(a1), —C(O)OR^(a1), —C(O)NR^(c1)R^(c1),    —C(NH)NR^(c1)R^(c1), —OC(O)R^(a1), —OC(O)OR^(a1),    —OC(O)NR^(c1)R^(c1), —OC(NH)NR^(c1)R^(c1), —NHC(O)R^(a1),    —NHC(O)OR^(a1), —NHC(O)NR^(c1)R^(c1) and —NHC(NH)NR^(c1)R^(c1);-   each R^(a1) is independently selected from hydrogen, (C1-C4) alkyl,    (C2-C4) alkenyl or (C2-C4) alkynyl; and-   each R^(c1) is independently an R^(a1) or, alternatively,    R^(c1)R^(c1) taken together with the nitrogen atom to which it is    bonded forms a 5 or 6 membered ring.

In certain embodiments of Formula 29, when X₁—Y₁ is —CH₂CH₃, then atleast one of R₁₀₁, R₁₀₂ or R₁₀₃ is other than hydrogen.

In certain embodiments, a compound of Formula 29, as represented byFormula 30, is optionally excluded from such compositions,

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates and solvates thereof,wherein:D₁-E₁ and F₁-G₁ are independently are cis or trans —C═C— or —C≡C—; andR₁₀₁, R₁₀₂, R₁₀₃, R₁₀₄, W₁, R₁₀₅, A₁, X₁, n, Y₁, R₁₀₀, R^(a1), andR^(c1) are as defined above.

Other compounds optionally excluded for use as active agents in suchcompositions, when compositions of the present disclosure include anactive agent, include those of Formulae 31 to 37

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates and solvates thereof,

wherein:R₁₀₆ is —OH, —OCH₃, —OCH(CH₃)₂ or —NHCH₂CH₃; and

R₁₀₇ is

Other compounds optionally excluded for use as active agents in suchcompositions, when compositions of the present disclosure include anactive agent, include those of Formula 38,

wherein:

-   Carbons aa′ and bb′ are connected by a double bond or a triple bond;-   Carbons cc′ and dd′ are connected by a double bond or a triple bond;-   Re, Rf, and Rg are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl,    alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, acyl (e.g., alkoxyacyl,    aminoacyl), aminocarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, or silyl;-   E is hydroxyl, alkoxy, aryloxy, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, or    arylamino;-   Rh, Ri and Rj are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl,    alkenyl, alkynyl, perfluoroalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl;-   R₄ is selected from hydrogen, alkyl, perfluoroalkyl, alkenyl,    alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, fluoro, hydroxyl, alkoxy, aryloxy;-   R₅ is selected from i-iv as follows: i) CH₂CH(R₆)CH₂, where R₆ is    hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, perfluoroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl,    fluoro, hydroxyl or alkoxy; ii) CH₂C(R₆R₇)CH₂, where R₆ and R₇ are    each independently alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, perfluoroalkyl, aryl, or    fluoro, or R₆ and R₇ are connected together to form a carbocyclic or    heterocyclic ring; iii) CH₂OCH₂, CH₂C(O)CH₂, or CH₂CH₂; or iv) R₅ is    a carbocyclic, heterocyclic, aryl or heteroaryl ring; and-   R₈ and R₉ are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl,    alkynyl, perfluoroalkyl, alkoxy, aryl or heteroaryl, or R₈ and R₉    are connected together to form a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring;    or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In certain embodiments R₈ and R₉ are hydrogen.

In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of thecompound formed by derivatizing E, wherein E is —OM, where M is a cationselected from ammonium, tetra-alkyl ammonium, Na, K, Mg, and Zn isoptionally excluded from such compositions.

Other compounds optionally excluded for use as active agents in suchcompositions, when compositions of the present disclosure include anactive agent, include those of Formulae 39-44,

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:Re, Rf, E, Ri, R₅, R₈ and R₉ are as defined above.

Exemplary compounds of formulae 39, 41, and 43 include:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof.

In certain embodiments, when compositions of the present disclosureinclude an active agent, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of thecompound formed by derivatizing E, wherein E is —OM, where M is a cationselected from ammonium, tetra-alkyl ammonium, Na, K, Mg, and Zn isoptionally excluded from such compositions. Examples of such compoundsinclude compound Z,

Other compounds optionally excluded for use as active agents in suchcompositions, when compositions of the present disclosure include anactive agent, include those of Formula 46,

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof, wherein:

-   each    independently designates a double or triple bond;-   R¹, R², and R³ are each independently OR, OX¹, SR, SX², N(R)₂, NHX³,    NRC(O)R, NRC(O)N(R)₂, C(O)OR, C(O)N(R)₂, SO₂R, NRSO₂R, C(O)R, or    SO₂N(R)₂;-   each R is independently selected from hydrogen or an optionally    substituted group selected from C₁₋₆ aliphatic, a 3-8 membered    saturated, partially unsaturated, or aryl ring having 0-4    heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur,    or; two R on the same nitrogen are taken together with the nitrogen    to form a 5-8 membered heterocyclyl or heteroaryl ring having 1-3    heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur;-   each X¹ is independently a suitable hydroxyl protecting group;-   each X² is independently a suitable thiol protecting group;-   each X³ is independently a suitable amino protecting group; and-   R⁴ is NRC(O)R, NRC(O)N(R)₂, C(O)OR, C(O)N(R)₂, SO₂R, NRSO₂R, C(O)R,    or SO₂N(R)₂.

Other compounds optionally excluded for use as active agents in suchcompositions, when compositions of the present disclosure include anactive agent, include those of Formula 47,

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof, wherein:

-   the stereochemistry of the carbon kk′ to carbon ll′ double bond is    cis or trans;-   the stereochemistry of the carbon mm′ to carbon nn′ double bond is    cis or trans;-   the stereochemistry of the carbon oo′ to carbon pp′ double bond is    cis or trans;-   Y′ is a bond or a linker selected from a ring containing up to 20    atoms or a chain of up to 20 atoms, provided that Y′ can include one    or more nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur or phosphorous atoms, further    provided that Y′ can include one or more substituents independently    selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl,    chloro, iodo, bromo, fluoro, hydroxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, carboxy,    amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, acylamino, carboxamido, cyano, oxo,    thio, alkylthio, arylthio, acylthio, alkylsulfonate, arylsulfonate,    phosphoryl, or sulfonyl, further provided that Y′ can contain one or    more fused carbocyclic, heterocyclic, aryl or heteroaryl rings;-   Z′ is selected from —CN, —C(NH)N(R″)(R″), —C(S)-A′, —C(S)R″,    —C(O)-A′, —C(O)—R″, —C(O)—SR″, —C(O)—NH—S(O)₂—R″, —S(O)₂-A′,    —S(O)₂—R″, S(O)₂N(R″)(R″), —P(O)₂-A′, —PO(OR″)-A′, -tetrazole,    alkyltetrazole, or —CH₂OH, wherein    -   A′ is selected from —OR″, —N(R″)(R″) or —OM′;    -   each R″ is independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, aryl,        arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl or a detectable label        molecule, wherein any alkyl-, aryl- or heteroaryl-containing        moiety is optionally substituted with up to 3 independently        selected substituents; and    -   M′ is a cation.

In certain embodiments, a compound of formula 47 is represented byformula 48,

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof, wherein:the stereochemistry of the carbon kk′ to carbon ll′ double bond is cisor trans;the stereochemistry of the carbon mm′ to carbon nn′ double bond is cisor trans;the stereochemistry of the carbon oo′ to carbon pp′ double bond is cisor trans.

In certain embodiments, the stereochemistry of the carbon kk′ to carbonll′ double bond is trans.

In certain embodiments, the stereochemistry of the carbon mm′ to carbonnn′ double bond trans.

In certain embodiments, the stereochemistry of the carbon oo′ to carbonpp′ double bond is cis.

In certain embodiments, the stereochemistry of the carbon kk′ to carbonll′ double bond is trans, the stereochemistry of the carbon mm′ tocarbon nn′ double bond trans, and the stereochemistry of the carbon oo′to carbon pp′ double bond is cis.

In certain embodiments, a compound of formula 47 is represented bycompound 48a,

compound 48b,

compound 48c,

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof.

In certain embodiments, a compound of formula 47 is represented byformula 48d,

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof, wherein:the stereochemistry of the carbon kk′ to carbon ll′ double bond is cisor trans;the stereochemistry of the carbon mm′ to carbon nn′ double bond is cisor trans;the stereochemistry of the carbon oo′ to carbon pp′ double bond is cisor trans.

In certain embodiments, the compound of formula 47 is other than acompound of formula 48, 48a, 48b, 48c, or 48d.

Other compounds optionally excluded for use as active agents in suchcompositions, when compositions of the present disclosure include anactive agent, include those of Formula 49

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof, wherein:

-   Y′ is a bond or a linker selected from a ring containing up to 20    atoms or a chain of up to 20 atoms, provided that Y′ can include one    or more nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur or phosphorous atoms, further    provided that Y′ can include one or more substituents independently    selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl,    chloro, iodo, bromo, fluoro, hydroxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, carboxy,    amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, acylamino, carboxamido, cyano, oxo,    thio, alkylthio, arylthio, acylthio, alkylsulfonate, arylsulfonate,    phosphoryl, or sulfonyl, further provided that Y′ can contain one or    more fused carbocyclic, heterocyclic, aryl or heteroaryl rings;-   Z′ is selected from —CN, —C(NH)N(R″)(R″), —C(S)-A′, —C(S)R″,    —C(O)-A′, —C(O)—R″, —C(O)—SR″, —C(O)—NH—S(O)₂—R″, —S(O)₂-A′,    —S(O)₂—R″, S(O)₂N(R″)(R″), —P(O)₂-A′, —PO(OR″)-A′, -tetrazole,    alkyltetrazole, or —CH₂OH, wherein    -   A′ is selected from —OR″, —N(R″)(R″) or −OM′;    -   each R″ is independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, aryl,        arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl or a detectable label        molecule, wherein any alkyl-, aryl- or heteroaryl-containing        moiety is optionally substituted with up to 3 independently        selected substituents; and    -   M′ is a cation; and-   each of R^(a′) and R^(b′) is independently for each occurrence    selected from —OR′, or adjacent R^(a′) and R^(b′) are taken together    to form an epoxide ring having a cis or trans configuration, wherein    each R′ is independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl,    alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, acyl, silyl, alkoxyacyl, aminoacyl,    aminocarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, or a protecting group.

Exemplary compounds of formula 49 include compound 49a,

compound 49b,

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof.

The compounds above (e.g., compounds of formula A or formulae 1 to 49)are known to be useful in the treatment or prevention of inflammation orinflammatory disease. Examples of such compounds are disclosed in thefollowing patents and applications: US 2003/0191184, WO 2004/014835, WO2004/078143, U.S. Pat. No. 6,670,396, US 2003/0236423, US 2005/0228047,US 2005/0238589 and US2005/0261255. These compounds are optionallyexcluded for use in methods of the present disclosure.

Other compounds for which delivery may be enhanced by compositions ofthe present disclosure, but which may be excluded from compositions ofthe present disclosure, are compounds that are chemically similarvariants to any of the compounds of formula A or formulae 1-49 set forthabove. The term “chemically similar variants” includes, but is notlimited to, replacement of various moieties with known biosteres;replacement of the end groups of one of the compounds above with acorresponding end group of any other compound above, modification of theorientation of any double bond in a compound, the replacement of anydouble bond with a triple bond in any compound, and the replacement ofone or more substituents present in one of the compounds above with acorresponding substituent of any other compound.

Lipoxin compounds optionally excluded for use as active agents, whencompositions of the present disclosure include an active agent, includethose of formula 50:

wherein:

-   -   X is R₃₀₁, OR₃₀₁, or SR₃₀₁;    -   R₃₀₁ is    -   (a) a hydrogen atom;    -   (b) an alkyl of 1 to 8 carbons atoms, inclusive, which may be        straight chain or branched;    -   (c) a cycloalkyl of 3 to 10 carbon atoms;    -   (d) an aralkyl of 7 to 12 carbon atoms;    -   (e) phenyl;    -   (f) substituted phenyl

-   -   -   wherein Z_(i), Z_(ii), Z_(iii), Z_(iv) and Z_(v) are each            independently selected from —NO₂, —CN, —C(═O)—R₃₀₁, —SO₃H, a            hydrogen atom, halogen, methyl, —OR_(x), wherein R_(x) is 1            to 8 carbon atoms, inclusive, which may be a straight chain            or branched, and hydroxyl, wherein when any of Z_(i)Z_(ii),            Z_(iii), Z_(iv) or Z_(v) is C(═O)—R₃₀₁, said Z_(i), Z_(ii),            Z_(iii), or Z_(v) is not substituted with another            C(═O)—R₃₀₁.

    -   (g) a detectable label molecule; or

    -   (h) a straight or branched chain alkenyl of 2 to 8 carbon atoms,        inclusive;

    -   Q₁ is (C═O), SO₂ or (CN), provided when Q₁ is CN, then X is        absent;        -   Q₃ and Q₄ are each independently 0, S or NH;

    -   one of R₃₀₂ and R₃₀₃ is a hydrogen atom and the other is:        -   (a) H;        -   (b) an alkyl of 1 to 8 carbon atoms, inclusive, which may be            a straight chain or branched;        -   (c) a cycloalkyl of 3 to 6 carbon atoms, inclusive;        -   (d) an alkenyl of 2 to 8 carbon atoms, inclusive, which may            be straight chain or branched; or        -   (e) R_(k)Q₂R_(l) wherein Q₂ is —O— or —S—; wherein R_(k) is            alkylene of 0 to 6 carbons atoms, inclusive, which may be            straight chain or branched and wherein R₁ is alkyl of 0 to 8            carbon atoms, inclusive, which may be straight chain or            branched, provided when R₁ is 0, then R₁ is a hydrogen atom;        -   R₃₀₄ is        -   (a) H;        -   (b) an alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, inclusive, which may be            a straight chain or branched;        -   R₃₀₅ is

-   -   -    wherein Z_(i), Z_(ii), Z_(iii), Z_(iv) and Z_(v) are            defined as above;        -   R₃₀₆ is        -   (a) H;        -   (b) an alkyl from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, inclusive, straight            chain or branched;        -   wherein Y₃₀₁ is —OH, methyl, —SH, an alkyl of 2 to 4 carbon            atoms, inclusive, straight chain or branched, an alkoxy of 1            to 4 carbon atoms, inclusive, or (CH)_(p)(Z)_(q), where            p+q=3, p=0 to 3, q=0 to 3 and Z is cyano, nitro or a            halogen; and        -   T is O or S, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Lipoxin compounds optionally excluded for use as active agents in suchcompositions, when compositions of the present disclosure include anactive agent, include those of formulae 51, 52, 53 or 54:

wherein:

-   -   each R₃₀₇ is independently selected from hydrogen and straight,        branched, cyclic, saturated, or unsaturated alkyl having from 1        to 20 carbon atoms;    -   R₃₀₈, R₃₀₉, R₃₁₀, R₃₁₉, and R₃₂₀ are independently selected        from:        -   (a) hydrogen;        -   (b) straight, branched, cyclic, saturated, or unsaturated            alkyl having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms;        -   (c) substituted alkyl having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms,            wherein the alkyl is substituted with one or more            substituents selected from halo, hydroxy, lower alkoxy,            aryloxy, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, acylamino,            arylamino, hydroxyamino, alkoxyamino, alkylthio, arylthio,            carboxy, carboxamido, carboalkoxy, aryl, and heteroaryl;        -   (d) substituted aryl or heteroaryl, wherein the aryl or            heteroaryl is substituted with one or more substituents            selected from alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy, halo, aryl,            heteroaryl, carboxyl, and carboxamido; and        -   (e) Z—Y, wherein:            -   Z is selected from a straight, branched, cyclic,                saturated, or unsaturated alkyl having from 1 to 20                carbon atoms; substituted lower alkyl, wherein the alkyl                is substituted with one or more substituents selected                from halo, hydroxy, lower alkoxy, aryloxy, amino,                alkylamino, dialkylamino, acylamino, arylamino,                hydroxyamino, alkoxyamino, alkylthio, arylthio, carboxy,                carboxamido, carboalkoxy, aryl, and heteroaryl; and                substituted aryl or heteroaryl, wherein the aryl or                heteroaryl is substituted with one or more substituents                selected from alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy, halo, aryl,                heteroaryl, carboxyl, and carboxamido; and            -   Y is selected from hydrogen; alkyl; cycloalkyl;                carboxyl; carboxamido; aryl; heteroaryl; substituted                aryl or heteroaryl, wherein the aryl or heteroaryl is                substituted with one or more substituents selected from                alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy, halo, aryl, heteroaryl,                carboxyl, and carboxamido; and            -   R₃₁₁ to R₃₁₈ are independently selected from:        -   (a) hydrogen;        -   (b) halo;        -   (c) straight, branched, cyclic, saturated, or unsaturated            alkyl having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms;        -   (d) substituted alkyl having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms,            wherein the alkyl is substituted with one or more            substituents selected from halo, hydroxy, lower alkoxy,            aryloxy, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, acylamino,            arylamino, hydroxyamino, alkoxyamino, alkylthio, arylthio,            carboxy, carboxamido, carboalkoxy, aryl, and heteroaryl;        -   (e) substituted aryl or heteroaryl, wherein the aryl or            heteroaryl is substituted with one or more substituents            selected from alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy, halo, aryl,            heteroaryl, carboxyl, and carboxamido; or            -   R₃₀₈ to R₃₂₀ are independently a bond that forms a                carbon-carbon double bond, a carbon-carbon triple bond,                or a ring with the lipoxin backbone; or            -   any two of R₃₀₇ to R₃₂₀ are taken together with the                atoms to which they are bound and optionally to 1 to 6                oxygen atoms, 1 to 6 nitrogen atoms, or both 1 to 6                oxygen atoms and 1 to 6 nitrogen atoms, to form a ring                containing 3 to 20 atoms.

Lipoxin compounds optionally excluded for use as active agents in suchcompositions, when compositions of the present disclosure include anactive agent, include those of formula 55:

wherein:R₄₀₁ is selected from:

R₄₀₂ is selected from:

X₁₀ is R₄₁₁, OR₄₁₁, or SR₄₁₁;

R₄₁₁ is

-   -   (a) a hydrogen atom;    -   (b) an alkyl of 1 to 8 carbons atoms, inclusive, which may be        straight chain or branched;    -   (c) a cycloalkyl of 3 to 10 carbon atoms;    -   (d) an aralkyl of 7 to 12 carbon atoms;    -   (e) phenyl;    -   (f) substituted phenyl

-   -    wherein Z_(i), Z_(ii), Z_(iii), Z_(iv) and Z_(v) are each        independently selected from —NO₂, —CN, —C(═O)—R₄₁₁, —SO₃H, a        hydrogen atom, halogen, methyl, —OR_(x), wherein R_(x) is 1 to 8        carbon atoms, inclusive, which may be a straight chain or        branched, and hydroxyl; wherein when any of Z_(i), Z_(ii),        Z_(iii), Z_(iv) or Z_(v) is C(═O)—R₄₁₁, said Z_(i), Z_(ii),        Z_(iii), Z_(iv) or Z_(v) is not substituted with another        C(═O)—R₄₁₁.    -   (g) a detectable label molecule; or    -   (h) a straight or branched chain alkenyl of 2 to 8 carbon atoms,        inclusive;        Q₁ is (C═O), SO₂ or (CN);

Q₃ is O, S or NH;

one of R₄₁₂ and R₄₁₃ is a hydrogen atom and the other is selected from:

-   -   (a) H;    -   (b) an alkyl of 1 to 8 carbon atoms, inclusive, which can be        straight chain or branched;    -   (c) a cycloalkyl of 3 to 6 carbon atoms, inclusive;    -   (d) an alkenyl of 2 to 8 carbon atoms, inclusive, which can be        straight chain or branched; or    -   (e) R₄₃₁Q₂R₄₃₂ wherein Q₂ is —O— or —S—; wherein R₄₃₁ is        alkylene of 0 to 6 carbons atoms, inclusive, which can be        straight chain or branched and wherein R₄₃₁ is alkyl of 0 to 8        carbon atoms, inclusive, which can be straight chain or        branched;        R_(413a) and R_(413b) are each independently:    -   (a) H;    -   (b) an alkyl of 1 to 8 carbon atoms, inclusive, which can be        straight chain or branched;    -   (c) a cycloalkyl of 3 to 6 carbon atoms, inclusive;    -   (d) an alkenyl of 2 to 8 carbon atoms, inclusive, which can be        straight chain or branched; or    -   (e) R₄₃₁Q₂R₄₃₂ wherein R₄₃₁, Q₂, and R₄₃₂ are as defined above;

R₄₁₄ is

-   -   (a) H;    -   (b) an alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, inclusive, can be straight        chain or branched;

R₄₁₅ is

-   -   (a) an alkyl of 1 to 9 carbon atoms which can be straight chain        or branched;    -   (b) —(CH₂)—R_(i)    -   wherein n=0 to 4 and R_(i) is        -   (i) a cycloalkyl of 3 to 10 carbon atoms, inclusive;        -   (ii) a phenyl; or        -   (iii) substituted phenyl

-   -   -    wherein Z_(i) through Z_(v) are as defined above;

    -   (c) R₄₃₁Q₂R₄₃₂, wherein R₄₃₁, Q₂, and R₄₃₂ are as defined above;

    -   (d)

    -   wherein R_(iii) and R_(iv) are each independently:        -   (i) a hydrogen atom;        -   (ii) (CH)_(p)(Z)_(q), wherein Z, p, and q are as defined            above;

    -   (e) a haloalkyl of 1 to 8 carbon atoms, inclusive, and 1 to 6        halogen atoms, inclusive, straight chain or branched;

R₄₁₆ is

-   -   (a) H;    -   (b) an alkyl from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, inclusive, straight chain        or branched;    -   (c) a halogen;        one of Y₄₀₁ or Y₄₀₂ is —OH, methyl, or —SH, and wherein the        other is selected from:    -   (a) H;    -   (b) (CH)_(p)(Z)_(q) where p+q=3, p=0 to 3, q=0 to 3 and each Z,        independently, is cyano, nitro or a halogen;    -   (c) an alkyl of 2 to 4 carbon atoms, inclusive, straight chain        or branched; or    -   (d) an alkoxy of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, inclusive,        or Y₄₀₁ and Y₄₀₂ taken together are:    -   (a) ═NH; or    -   (b) ═O;        one of Y₄₀₃ or Y₄₀₄ is —OH, methyl, or —SH, and wherein the        other is selected from:    -   (a) H;    -   (b) (CH)_(p)(Z)_(q) wherein Z, p, and q are as defined above;    -   (c) an alkyl of 2 to 4 carbon atoms, inclusive, straight chain        or branched; or    -   (d) an alkoxy of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, inclusive,        or Y₄₀₁ and Y₄₀₂ taken together are:    -   (a) ═NH; or    -   (b) ═O;        one of Y₄₀₅ or Y₄₀₆ is —OH, methyl, or —SH, and wherein the        other is selected from:    -   (a) H    -   (b) (CH)_(p)(Z)_(q) wherein Z, p, and q are as defined above;    -   (c) an alkyl of 2 to 4 carbon atoms, inclusive, straight chain        or branched; or    -   (d) an alkoxy of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, inclusive,        or Y₄₀₁ and Y₄₀₂ taken together are:    -   (a) ═NH; or    -   (b) ═O;

R₄₂₁ is

-   -   (a) H; or    -   (b) alkyl of 1 to 8 carbon atoms;        R₄₂₂ and R₄₂₃ are each independently:    -   (a) H;    -   (b) a hydroxyl, or a thiol;    -   (c) a methyl or a halomethyl;    -   (d) a halogen; or    -   (e) an alkoxy of 1 to 3 carbon atoms;        R₄₂₄ and R₄₂₅ are each independently:    -   (a) H;    -   (b) a hydroxyl, or a thiol;    -   (c) a methyl or a halomethyl;    -   (d) a halogen;    -   (e) an alkoxy of 1 to 3 carbon atoms; or    -   (f) an alkyl or haloalkyl of 2 to 4 carbon atoms inclusive,        which can be straight chain or branched; and

R₄₂₆ is

-   -   (a) a substituted phenyl

-   -    wherein Z_(i) through 4 are as defined above;    -   (b) a substituted phenoxy

-   -    wherein Z_(i) through 4 are as defined above; or    -   (c)

-   -    wherein Z_(i) through 4 are as defined above.

Lipoxin compounds optionally excluded for for use as active agents insuch compositions, when compositions of the present disclosure includean active agent, include those of formula 56:

wherein:

E is hydroxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino or —OM,where M is a cation selected from ammonium, tetra-alkyl ammonium, andthe cations of sodium, potassium, magnesium and zinc;

W is hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, halo, hydroxy,alkoxy, aryloxy, carboxy, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, acylamino,carboxamido, or sulfonamide;

each of R₅₀₁-R₅₀₃ are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, aryl,acyl or alkoxyacyl;

n is 0, 1 or 2;

m is 1 or 2; and

the two substituents on the phenyl ring are ortho, meta, or para.

Lipoxin compounds optionally excluded for use as active agents in suchcompositions, when compositions of the present disclosure include anactive agent, include those of formula 57:

wherein:

I is selected from: —C(O)-E, —SO₂-E, —PO(OR)-E, where E is hydroxy,alkoxy, aryloxy, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, or —OM, where M is acation selected from ammonium, tetra-alkyl ammonium, Na, K, Mg, and Zn;and R is hydroxyl or alkoxy

J′ and K′ are linkers independently selected from a chain of up to 20atoms and a ring containing up to 20 atoms, provided that J′ and K′ canindependently include one or more nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur orphosphorous atoms, and further provided that J′ and K′ can independentlyinclude one or more substituents selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl,alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, chloro, iodo, bromo, fluoro, hydroxy, alkoxy,aryloxy, carboxy, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, acylamino,carboxamido, cyano, oxo, thio, alkylthio, arylthio, acylthio,alkylsulfonate, arylsulfonate, phosphoryl, and sulfonyl, and furtherprovided that J′ and K′ can also contain one or more fused carbocyclic,heterocyclic, aryl or heteroaryl rings, and provided that linkers J′ andK′ are connected to the adjacent C(R)OR group via a carbon atom or aC-heteroatom bond where the heteroatom is oxygen, sulfur, phosphorous ornitrogen;

G is selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl,chloro, iodo, bromo, fluoro, hydroxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, carboxy, amino,alkylamino, dialkylamino, acylamino, and carboxamido.

Re, Rf and Rg, are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, aryl,heteroaryl, acyl, silyl, alkoxyacyl and aminoacyl;

R₆₀₁, R₆₀₂ and R₆₀₃ are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl,aryl and heteroaryl, provided that R₆₀₁, R₆₀₂ and R₆₀₃ can independentlybe connected to linkers J′ or K′;

R₆₀₄ and R₆₀₅ are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl,alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, fluoro, and provided that R₆₀₄ and R₆₀₅ canbe joined together to form a carbocyclic, heterocyclic or aromatic ring,and further provided that R₆₀₄ and R₆₀₅ can be replaced by a bond toform a triple bond.

Other compounds optionally excluded for use as active agents in suchcompositions, when compositions of the present disclosure include anactive agent, are the oxylipins described in international applicationsWO 2006055965, WO 2007090162, and WO2008103753, the compounds in whichare incorporated herein by reference. Examples of such compounds arethose of formulae 58-115, as shown in Table 1. These compounds includelong chain omega-6 fatty acids, docosapentaenoic acid (DPAn-6)(compounds 58-73) and docosatetraenoic acid (DTAn-6) (compounds 74-83),and the omega-3 counterpart of DPAn-6, docosapentaenoic acid (DPAn-3)(compounds 84-97). Further compounds are the docosanoids 98-115, theα-linolenic acids (GLA) (compounds 116-122), and the stearidonic acids(SDA) (compounds 123-132).

TABLE 1 10,17-Dihydroxy DPAn-6 (58)

16,17-Dihydroxy DPAn-6 (59)

4,5-Dihydroxy DPAn-6 (60)

7,17-Dihydroxy DPAn-6 (61)

7-Hydroxy DPAn-6 (62)

10-hydroxy DPAn-6 (63)

13-Hydroxy DPAn-6 (64)

17-hydroxy DPAn-6 (65)

4,5,17-Trihydroxy DPAn-6 (66)

7,16,17-Trihydroxy DPAn-6 (67)

8-Hydroxy DPAn-6 (68)

14-Hydroxy DPAn-6 (69)

13,17-Dihydroxy DPAn-6 (70)

7,14-Dihydroxy DPAn-6 (71)

8,14-Dihydroxy DPAn-6 (72)

11-Hydroxy DPAn-6 (73)

10,17-Dihydroxy-DTAn-6 (74)

16,17-Dihydroxy-DTAn-6 (75)

4,5-Dihydroxy-DTAn-6 (76)

7,17-Dihydroxy-DTAn-6 (77)

7-Hydroxy-DTAn-6 (78)

10-Hydroxy-DTAn-6 (79)

13-Hydroxy-DTAn-6 (80)

17-Hydroxy-DTAn-6 (81)

4,5,17-Trihydroxy-DTAn-6 (82)

7,16,17-Trihydroxy-DTAn-6 (83)

10,17-Dihydroxy DPAn-3 (84)

10,20-Dihydroxy DPAn-3 (85)

13,20-Dihydroxy DPAn-3 (86)

16,17-Dihydroxy DPAn-3 (87)

7,17-Dihydroxy DPAn-3 (88)

7-Hydroxy DPAn-3 (89)

10-Hydroxy DPAn-3 (90)

13-Hydroxy DPAn-3 (91)

17-Hydroxy DPAn-3 (92)

7,16,17-Trihydroxy DPAn-3 (93)

16-Hydroxy DPAn-3 (94)

11-Hydroxy DPAn-3 (95)

14-Hydroxy DPAn-3 (96)

8,14-Dihydroxy DPAn-3 (97)

10,11-Epoxy DHA (98)

13,14-Dihydroxy DHA (99)

13,14-Epoxy DHA (100)

19,20-Epoxy DHA (101)

7,8-Epoxy DHA (102)

4,5-Epoxy-17-0H DPA (103)

7,16,17-Trihydroxy DTAn-3 (104)

16,17-Dihidroxy DTAn-3 (105)

10,16,17-Trihydroxy DTRAn-6 (106)

16,17-Dihydroxy DTRAn-6 (107)

7,16,17-Trihydroxy DTRAn-6 (108)

15-epi-lipoxin A4 (109)

16,17-epoxy DHA (110)

7,8-epoxy DPA (111)

10,11 epoxy DPA (112)

19,20 epoxy DPA (113)

7-hydroxy DHA (114)

13,14 epoxy DPA (115)

6-hydroxy GLA (116)

10-hydroxy GLA (117)

7-hydroxy GLA (118)

12-hydroxy GLA (119)

9-hydroxy GLA (120)

13-hydroxy GLA (121)

6,13 dihydroxy GLA (122)

6-hydroxy SDA (123)

10-hydroxy SDA (124)

7-hydroxy SDA (125)

12-hydroxy SDA (126)

9-hydroxy SDA (127)

13-hydroxy SDA (128)

15-hydroxy SDA (129)

16-hydroxy SDA (130)

6,13 dihydroxy SDA (131)

6,16 dihydroxy SDA (132)

Other oxylipin compounds that are optionally excluded for use as activeagents in such compositions, when compositions of the present disclosureinclude an active agent, include analogs of the compounds shown inTable 1. Such compounds include but are not limited to those analogswherein one or more double bonds are replaced by triple bonds, thosewherein one or more carboxy groups are derivatized to form esters,amides or salts, those wherein the hydroxyl-bearing carbons are furtherderivatized (with, for example, a substituted or unsubstituted, branchedor unbranched alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group, substituted orunsubstituted aryl group, substituted or unsubstituted, branched orunbranched alkylaryl group, halogen atom) to form tertiary alcohols (orethers, esters, or other derivatives thereof), those wherein one or morehydroxyl groups are derivatized to form esters or protected alcohols, orthose having combinations of any of the foregoing modifications.

Further oxylipin compounds optionally excluded for use as active agentsin such compositions, when compositions of the present disclosureinclude an active agent, include the following: isolated docosanoids ofdocosapentaenoic acid (DPAn-6); monohydroxy, dihydroxy, and trihydroxyderivatives of DPAn-6; isolated docosanoids of docosapentaenoic acid(DPAn-3); monohydroxy, dihydroxy, and trihydroxy derivatives of DPAn-3;isolated docosanoids of docosapentaenoic acid (DTAn-6); or monohydroxy,dihydroxy, and trihydroxy derivatives of DTAn-6.

Other compounds optionally excluded for use as active agents in suchcompositions, when compositions of the present disclosure include anactive agent, include compounds of formula I,

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:

-   the stereochemistry of the carbon qq′ to carbon re double bond is    cis or trans;-   the stereochemistry of the carbon ss′ to carbon tt′ double bond is    cis or trans;-   Re and Rf are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl,    alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, acyl (e.g., alkoxyacyl, aminoacyl),    aminocarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, or silyl, preferably from hydrogen,    acyl (e.g., alkoxyacyl, aminoacyl), aminocarbonyl, and    alkoxycarbonyl, most preferably hydrogen;-   E is a branched alkoxy such as isopropoxy, isobutoxyt, sec-butoxy,    tert-butoxy, 3-methylbutoxy, 2,2-dimethylpropoxy, or    1,1,2-trimethylpropoxy, preferably isopropoxy;-   Rh and Ri are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl,    alkynyl, perfluoroalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl, preferably hydrogen or    alkyl, most preferably hydrogen;-   R₅ is selected from i-iv as follows: i) CH₂CH(R₆)CH₂, where R₆ is    hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, perfluoroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl,    fluoro, hydroxyl or alkoxy; ii) CH₂C(R₆R₇)CH₂, where R₆ and R₇ are    each independently alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, perfluoroalkyl, aryl, or    fluoro, or R₆ and R₇ are connected together to form a carbocyclic or    heterocyclic ring; iii) CH₂OCH₂, CH₂C(O)CH₂, CH₂, or CH₂CH₂; or iv)    R₅ is a carbocyclic, heterocyclic, aryl or heteroaryl ring,    preferably (CH₂)₃; and-   R₈ and R₉ are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl,    alkynyl, perfluoroalkyl, alkoxy, aryl or heteroaryl, or R₈ and R₉    are connected together to form a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring,    preferably from hydrogen and alkyl, most preferably hydrogen.

For example, an active agent optionally excluded from such compositions,when compositions of the present disclosure include an active agent, maybe a compound of formula Ia,

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:

-   Re and Rf are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl,    alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, acyl (e.g., alkoxyacyl, aminoacyl),    aminocarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, or silyl, preferably from hydrogen,    acyl (e.g., alkoxyacyl, aminoacyl), aminocarbonyl, and    alkoxycarbonyl, most preferably hydrogen;-   E is a branched alkoxy such as isopropoxy, isobutoxyt, sec-butoxy,    tert-butoxy, 3-methylbutoxy, 2,2-dimethylpropoxy, or    1,1,2-trimethylpropoxy, preferably isopropoxy;-   Rh and Ri are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl,    alkynyl, perfluoroalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl, preferably hydrogen or    alkyl, most preferably hydrogen;-   R₅ is selected from i-iv as follows: i) CH₂CH(R₆)CH₂, where R₆ is    hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, perfluoroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl,    fluoro, hydroxyl or alkoxy; ii) CH₂C(R₆R₇)CH₂, where R₆ and R₇ are    each independently alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, perfluoroalkyl, aryl, or    fluoro, or R₆ and R₇ are connected together to form a carbocyclic or    heterocyclic ring; iii) CH₂OCH₂, CH₂C(O)CH₂, CH₂, or CH₂CH₂; or iv)    R₅ is a carbocyclic, heterocyclic, aryl or heteroaryl ring,    preferably (CH₂)₃; and-   R₈ and R₉ are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl,    alkynyl, perfluoroalkyl, alkoxy, aryl or heteroaryl, or R₈ and R₉    are connected together to form a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring,    preferably from hydrogen and alkyl, most preferably hydrogen.

In certain preferred embodiments of formula Ia, the stereochemistry ofthe carbons bearing —ORf and —ORe are as shown in formula Ia′,

In certain embodiments, a compound of formula I is represented byformula II,

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:the stereochemistry of the carbon qq′ to carbon re double bond is cis ortrans;the stereochemistry of the carbon ss' to carbon tt′ double bond is cisor trans;Re, Rf, R₅, and E are as defined above.

For example, an active agent optionally excluded from such compositions,when compositions of the present disclosure include an active agent, maybe a compound of formula IIa,

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:Re, Rf, R₅, and E are as defined above.

In certain embodiments, a compound of formula I or II is represented byformula III,

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:Re, Rf, and E are as defined above.

In certain embodiments of Formulae I-III, when E represents O—R, where Rrepresents an alkyl group, preferably a lower alkyl group, that isbranched at the position bonded to the oxygen atom is optionallyexcluded from such compositions. Exemplary such R moieties include—CH(CH₃)₂ (isopropyl), —CH(CH₂CH₃)₂, —CH(CH₃)(CH₂CH₃) (sec-butyl), and—C(CH₃)₃ (tert-butyl).

Exemplary compounds of formulae I, II, and III include compound 1001

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In some embodiments an active agent optionally excluded from suchcompositions, when compositions of the present disclosure include anactive agent, may be a compound of formula IV,

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

-   -   X is selected from —C(R⁷)═C(R⁷)—, -(cyclopropyl)-,        -(cyclobutyl)-, -(cyclopentyl)-, and -(cyclohexyl)-;    -   R¹ is selected from —OR^(a), —N(R^(a))—SO₂—R^(c) and        —N(R^(a))(R^(b)), wherein each of R^(a) and R^(b) is        independently selected from H, C₁-C₆-alkyl, aryl, aralkyl,        heteroaryl, and heteroaralkyl, and R^(c) is selected from        C₁-C₆-alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroaralkyl;    -   R² is selected from —CH₂—, —C(O)—, —SO₂—, —PO(OR)—, and        tetrazole;    -   R is selected from hydrogen and alkyl;    -   R³ is selected from a carbocyclic ring, a heterocyclic ring,        —(CH₂)_(n)—, CH₂C(O)CH₂, and —CH₂—O—CH₂, wherein:        -   n is an integer from 1 to 3;        -   any hydrogen atom in R³ is optionally and independently            replaced by halo, (C₁-C₅)-alkyl, perfluoroalkyl, aryl,            heteroaryl, hydroxy, or O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl; and        -   any two hydrogen atoms bound to a common carbon atom in R³            are optionally taken together with the carbon atom to which            they are bound to form a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring;    -   each of R^(4a) and R^(4b) is independently selected from        hydrogen, halo, —OH, —O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, —O-aryl, O-heteroaryl,        —O—C(O)—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, —O—C(O)-aryl, —O—C(O)-heteroaryl,        —O—C(O)—O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, —O—C(O)—O-aryl, —O—C(O)—O-heteroaryl,        and —O—C(O)—N(R^(a))(R^(b)), wherein any alkyl, aryl or        heteroaryl is optionally substituted with up to 3 substituents        independently selected from halo, (C₁-C₅)-alkyl,        O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl, ester, alkoxycarbonyl,        acyl, thioester, thioacyl, thioether, amino, amido, acylamino,        cyano, and nitro;    -   each of R^(5a) and R^(5b) is independently selected from        hydrogen, halo, (C₁-C₅)-alkyl, perfluoroalkyl, aryl, and        heteroaryl, preferably hydrogen, halo and (C₁-C₅)-alkyl;    -   R⁶ is selected from -phenyl, —(C₁-C₅)-alkyl,        —(C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl, —C≡C—(C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl,        —C≡C—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, and —O-phenyl, wherein phenyl is optionally        substituted with up to 3 substituents independently selected        from halo, (C₁-C₅)-alkyl, O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl,        ester, alkoxycarbonyl, acyl, thioester, thioacyl, thioether,        amino, amido, acylamino, cyano, and nitro,        -   and R⁶ is additionally selected from —C≡CH when:            -   a) X is —C(R⁷)═C(R⁷)— or -(cyclopropyl)-; or            -   b) each of R^(4a) and R^(4b) is hydrogen or halo; or            -   c) each of R^(5a) and R^(5b) is halo; or            -   d) R² is —CH₂—;    -   each R⁷ is independently selected from hydrogen and        (C₁-C₅)-alkyl, or two occurrences of R⁷ may optionally be taken        together with the carbons to which they are attached to form a        5- or 6-membered ring;    -   each of R^(10a) and R^(10b) is independently selected from        hydrogen, (C₁-C₅)-alkyl, perfluoroalkyl, O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, aryl        and heteroaryl, or        -   R^(10a) and R^(10b) are taken together with the carbon atom            to which they are bound to form a carbocyclic or            heterocyclic ring;    -   and each double bond is independently in an E- or a        Z-configuration.

In certain embodiments, when R¹ is —OM, M is a cation selected fromammonium, tetra-alkyl ammonium, Na, K, Mg, and Zn, is optionallyexcluded from such compositions.

In certain embodiments, R² and R¹ together are

In certain embodiments, X is —C≡C—. In certain embodiments, X is—C(R⁷)═C(R⁷)—, -(cyclopropyl)-, -(cyclobutyl)-, -(cyclopentyl)-, or-(cyclohexyl)-. In certain embodiments, X is —C(R⁷)═C(R⁷)—. In certainembodiments, X is -(cyclopropyl)-, -(cyclobutyl)-, -(cyclopentyl)-, or-(cyclohexyl)-. In certain embodiments, X is -(cyclopropyl)-. In certainembodiments, X is —C≡C— or —C(R⁷)═C(R⁷)—. In certain embodiments whereinX is -(cyclopropyl)-, -(cyclobutyl)-, -(cyclopentyl)-, or-(cyclohexyl)-, the olefin and the carbon bearing R^(4a) are attached toadjacent carbons on the -(cyclopropyl)-, -(cyclobutyl)-,-(cyclopentyl)-, or -(cyclohexyl)- ring system.

In certain embodiments, R^(4b) is hydrogen. In certain embodiments,R^(4b) is halo, —OH, —O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, —O-aryl, O-heteroaryl,—O—C(O)—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, —O—C(O)-aryl, —O—C(O)-heteroaryl,—O—C(O)—O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, —O—C(O)—O-aryl, —O—C(O)—O-heteroaryl, or—O—C(O)—N(R^(a))(R^(b)), wherein any alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl isoptionally substituted with up to 3 substituents independently selectedfrom halo, (C₁-C₅)-alkyl, O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl, ester,alkoxycarbonyl, acyl, thioester, thioacyl, thioether, amino, amido,acylamino, cyano, and nitro. In certain embodiments, R^(4b) is fluoro.In certain embodiments, R^(4b) is hydrogen, —OH, —O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl,—O-aryl, O-heteroaryl, —O—C(O)—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, —O—C(O)-aryl,—O—C(O)-heteroaryl, —O—C(O)—O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, —O—C(O)—O-aryl,—O—C(O)—O-heteroaryl, or —O—C(O)—N(R^(a))(R^(b)), wherein any alkyl,aryl or heteroaryl is optionally substituted with up to 3 substituentsindependently selected from halo, (C₁-C₅)-alkyl, O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl,hydroxyl, carboxyl, ester, alkoxycarbonyl, acyl, thioester, thioacyl,thioether, amino, amido, acylamino, cyano, and nitro. In certainembodiments, Rob is selected from —OH, —O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, O-aryl,O-heteroaryl, —O—C(O)—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, O—C(O)-aryl, O—C(O)-heteroaryl, and—O—C(O)—N(R^(a))(R^(b)). In certain embodiments, R^(4b) is hydrogen,halo, —O—C(O)—O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, —O—C(O)—O-aryl, or —O—C(O)—O-heteroaryl,wherein any alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl is optionally substituted with upto 3 substituents independently selected from halo, (C₁-C₅)-alkyl,O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl, ester, alkoxycarbonyl, acyl,thioester, thioacyl, thioether, amino, amido, acylamino, cyano, andnitro. In certain embodiments, R^(4b) is selected from hydrogen, halo,—OH, or —O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl. In certain embodiments, R^(4b) is —O-aryl,O-heteroaryl, —O—C(O)—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, —O—C(O)-aryl, —O—C(O)-heteroaryl,—O—C(O)—O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, —O—C(O)—O-aryl, —O—C(O)—O-heteroaryl, or—O—C(O)—N(R^(a))(R^(b)), wherein any alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl isoptionally substituted with up to 3 substituents independently selectedfrom halo, (C₁-C₅)-alkyl, O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl, ester,alkoxycarbonyl, acyl, thioester, thioacyl, thioether, amino, amido,acylamino, cyano, and nitro. In certain embodiments, R^(4b) is selectedfrom —OH, —O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, —O-aryl, O-heteroaryl,—O—C(O)—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, —O—C(O)-aryl, —O—C(O)-heteroaryl,—O—C(O)—O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, —O—C(O)—O-aryl, —O—C(O)—O-heteroaryl, and—O—C(O)—N(R^(a))(R^(b)), wherein any alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl isoptionally substituted with up to 3 substituents independently selectedfrom halo, (C₁-C₅)-alkyl, O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl, ester,alkoxycarbonyl, acyl, thioester, thioacyl, thioether, amino, amido,acylamino, cyano, and nitro. In certain embodiments, R^(4b) is selectedfrom hydrogen or halo.

In certain embodiments, R^(4b) is in an (R) configuration. In certainembodiments, R^(4b) is in an (S) configuration.

In certain embodiments, R^(4a) is hydrogen. In certain embodiments,R^(4a) is halo, —OH, —O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, —O-aryl, O-heteroaryl,—O—C(O)—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, —O—C(O)-aryl, —O—C(O)-heteroaryl,—O—C(O)—O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, —O—C(O)—O-aryl, —O—C(O)—O-heteroaryl, or—O—C(O)—N(R^(a))(R^(b)), wherein any alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl isoptionally substituted with up to 3 substituents independently selectedfrom halo, (C₁-C₅)-alkyl, O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl, ester,alkoxycarbonyl, acyl, thioester, thioacyl, thioether, amino, amido,acylamino, cyano, and nitro. In certain embodiments, R^(4a) is fluoro.In certain embodiments, R^(4a) is hydrogen, —OH, —O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl,—O-aryl, O-heteroaryl, —O—C(O)—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, —O—C(O)-aryl,—O—C(O)-heteroaryl, —O—C(O)—O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, —O—C(O)—O-aryl,—O—C(O)—O-heteroaryl, or —O—C(O)—N(R^(a))(R^(b)), wherein any alkyl,aryl or heteroaryl is optionally substituted with up to 3 substituentsindependently selected from halo, (C₁-C₅)-alkyl, O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl,hydroxyl, carboxyl, ester, alkoxycarbonyl, acyl, thioester, thioacyl,thioether, amino, amido, acylamino, cyano, and nitro. In certainembodiments, R^(4a) is selected from —OH, —O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, O-aryl,O-heteroaryl, —O—C(O)—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, O—C(O)-aryl, O—C(O)-heteroaryl, and—O—C(O)—N(R^(a))(R^(b)). In certain embodiments, R^(4a) is hydrogen,halo, —O—C(O)—O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, —O—C(O)—O-aryl, or —O—C(O)—O-heteroaryl,wherein any alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl is optionally substituted with upto 3 substituents independently selected from halo, (C₁-C₅)-alkyl,O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl, ester, alkoxycarbonyl, acyl,thioester, thioacyl, thioether, amino, amido, acylamino, cyano, andnitro. In certain embodiments, R^(4a) is selected from hydrogen, halo,—OH, or —O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl. In certain embodiments, R^(4a) is —O-aryl,O-heteroaryl, —O—C(O)—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, —O—C(O)-aryl, —O—C(O)-heteroaryl,—O—C(O)—O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, —O—C(O)—O-aryl, —O—C(O)—O-heteroaryl, or—O—C(O)—N(R^(a))(R^(b)), wherein any alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl isoptionally substituted with up to 3 substituents independently selectedfrom halo, (C₁-C₅)-alkyl, O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl, ester,alkoxycarbonyl, acyl, thioester, thioacyl, thioether, amino, amido,acylamino, cyano, and nitro. In certain embodiments, R^(4a) is selectedfrom —OH, —O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, —O-aryl, O-heteroaryl,—O—C(O)—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, —O—C(O)-aryl, —O—C(O)-heteroaryl,—O—C(O)—O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, —O—C(O)—O-aryl, —O—C(O)—O-heteroaryl, and—O—C(O)—N(R^(a))(R^(b)), wherein any alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl isoptionally substituted with up to 3 substituents independently selectedfrom halo, (C₁-C₅)-alkyl, O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl, ester,alkoxycarbonyl, acyl, thioester, thioacyl, thioether, amino, amido,acylamino, cyano, and nitro. In certain embodiments, R^(4a) is selectedfrom hydrogen or halo.

In certain embodiments, R^(4a) is in an (S) configuration. In certainembodiments, R^(4a) is in an (R) configuration.

In certain embodiments wherein R^(4a) is —OH, R^(5a) is selected fromhydrogen or (C₁-C₅)-alkyl. In certain embodiments wherein R^(4a) isselected from —OH, —O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, —O-aryl, O-heteroaryl,—O—C(O)—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, —O—C(O)-aryl, —O—C(O)-heteroaryl,—O—C(O)—O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, —O—C(O)—O-aryl, —O—C(O)—O-heteroaryl, and—O—C(O)—N(R^(a))(R^(b)), R^(5a) is selected from hydrogen or(C₁-C₅)-alkyl. In certain embodiments, R^(5a) is fluoro. In certainembodiments, R^(5a) is selected from hydrogen and (C₁-C₅)-alkyl.

In certain embodiments wherein R^(4b) is —OH, R^(5b) is selected fromhydrogen or (C₁-C₅)-alkyl. In certain embodiments wherein R^(4b) isselected from —OH, —O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, —O-aryl, O-heteroaryl,—O—C(O)—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, —O—C(O)-aryl, —O—C(O)-heteroaryl,—O—C(O)—O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, —O—C(O)—O-aryl, —O—C(O)—O-heteroaryl, and—O—C(O)—N(R^(a))(R^(b)), R^(5b) is selected from hydrogen or(C₁-C₅)-alkyl. In certain embodiments, R^(5b) is fluoro. In certainembodiments, R^(5b) is selected from hydrogen and (C₁-C₅)-alkyl.

In certain embodiments, R² is —CH₂—. In certain embodiments, R² is—C(O)—.

In certain embodiments, R^(a) is selected from H and C₁-C₆-alkyl. Incertain embodiments, R^(a) is selected from aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl,and heteroaralkyl.

In certain embodiments, R^(b) is selected from H and C₁-C₆-alkyl. Incertain embodiments, R^(b) is selected from aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl,and heteroaralkyl.

In certain embodiments, R^(c) is C₁-C₆-alkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl. Incertain embodiments, R^(c) is selected from aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl,and heteroaralkyl.

In certain embodiments wherein R³ is selected from a carbocyclic ring, aheterocyclic ring, —(CH₂)_(n)—, and CH₂C(O)CH₂, any hydrogen atom in R³is optionally and independently replaced by halo, (C₁-C₅)-alkyl,perfluoroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, hydroxy, or O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl. Incertain embodiments wherein R³ is —CH₂—O—CH₂, any hydrogen atom in R³ isoptionally and independently replaced by halo, (C₁-C₅)-alkyl,perfluoroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl. In certainembodiments, R³ is selected from —(CH₂)_(n)— and —CH₂—O—CH₂, wherein nis an integer from 1 to 3, and up to two hydrogen atoms in R³ areoptionally and independently replaced by (C₁-C₅)-alkyl. In certainembodiments, R³ is selected from a carbocyclic ring, a heterocyclicring, and CH₂C(O)CH₂, wherein n is an integer from 1 to 3; any hydrogenatom in R³ is optionally and independently replaced by halo,(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, perfluoroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, hydroxy, orO—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl; and any two hydrogen atoms bound to a common carbonatom in R³ are optionally taken together with the carbon atom to whichthey are bound to form a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring.

In certain embodiments, R^(10a) is hydrogen. In certain embodiments,R^(10a) is selected from (C₁-C₅)-alkyl, perfluoroalkyl, O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl,aryl and heteroaryl, or R^(10a) is taken together with R^(10b) and thecarbon atom to which they are bound to form a carbocyclic orheterocyclic ring.

In certain embodiments, R^(10b) is hydrogen. In certain embodiments,R^(10b) is selected from (C₁-C₅)-alkyl, perfluoroalkyl, O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl,aryl and heteroaryl, or R^(10b) is taken together with R^(10a) and thecarbon atom to which they are bound to form a carbocyclic orheterocyclic ring.

In certain embodiments, R¹ is —OR^(a). In certain embodiments, R¹ isselected from —N(R^(a))—SO₂—R^(c) and —N(R^(a))(R^(b)). In certainembodiments, R¹ is —N(R^(a))—SO₂—R^(c). In certain embodiments, R¹ isselected from —OR^(a) and —N(R^(a))(R^(b)). In certain embodiments, R¹is —N(R^(a))(R^(b)). In certain embodiments, R¹ is selected from—OR^(a), and —N(R^(a))—SO₂—R^(c).

In certain embodiments, R⁷ is hydrogen. In certain embodiments, R⁷ is(C₁-C₅)-alkyl or two occurrences of R⁷ may optionally be taken togetherwith the carbons to which they are attached to form a 5- or 6-memberedring.

In certain embodiments, X is —C≡C— and R^(4b) is hydrogen.

In certain embodiments, X is —C≡C— and R^(4a) is hydrogen.

In certain embodiments, X is —C≡C— R^(4a) is fluoro, and R^(5b) isfluoro.

In certain embodiments, X is —C≡C— R^(4b) is fluoro, and R^(5b) isfluoro.

In certain embodiments, X is —C≡C— and each of R^(4a) and R^(4b) isindependently selected from —OH, —O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, O-aryl, O-heteroaryl,O—C(O)-aryl, O—C(O)-heteroaryl, and —O—C(O)—N(R^(a))(R^(b)).

In certain embodiments, X is —C≡C— and R² is —CH₂—.

In certain embodiments, X is -(cyclopropyl)-, -(cyclobutyl)-,-(cyclopentyl)-, and -(cyclohexyl)-. In certain embodiments, X is-(cyclopropyl)-.

In certain embodiments, X is —C(R⁷)═C(R⁷)—.

In certain embodiments, each of R^(a) and R^(b) is independentlyselected from H and C₁-C₆-alkyl; R^(c) is C₁-C₆-alkyl; R³ is selectedfrom —(CH₂)_(n)— and —CH₂—O—CH₂, wherein n is an integer from 1 to 3,and up to two hydrogen atoms in R³ are optionally and independentlyreplaced by (C₁-C₅)-alkyl; each of R^(4a) and R^(4b) is independentlyselected from hydrogen, halo, —OH, —O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl; and each of R^(10a)and R^(10b) is hydrogen.

In certain embodiments, each double bond is in an E-configuration. Incertain embodiments, each double bond is in a Z-configuration. Incertain embodiments, one double bond is in an E-configuration and onedouble bond is in a Z-configuration.

In certain embodiments, any combination of the foregoing is contemplatedherein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that all specificcombinations of the individual possible residues of the variable regionsof the compounds as disclosed herein, e.g., R¹, R², R³, R^(4a), R^(4b),R^(5a), R^(5b), R⁶, R⁷, R^(10a), R^(10b), R^(a), R^(b), R^(c), n and X,are within the scope of the present disclosure. As an example, any ofthe various particular recited embodiments for R^(4a) may be combinedwith any of the various particular recited embodiments of X.

In certain embodiments, the compound optionally excluded from suchcompositions is selected from any one of:

In some embodiments an active agent is optionally excluded from suchcompositions, when compositions of the present disclosure include anactive agent, may be a compound of the formula V,

or formula VI,

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of either of the foregoing,wherein:

-   -   R¹ is selected from —OR^(a), —N(R^(a))—SO₂—R^(c) and        —N(R^(a))(R^(b)), wherein each of R^(a) and R^(b) is        independently selected from H, C₁-C₆-alkyl, aryl, aralkyl,        heteroaryl, and heteroaralkyl, and R^(c) is selected from        C₁-C₆-alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroaralkyl;    -   R² is selected from —C(O)—, —SO₂—, —PO(OR)—, and tetrazole;    -   R is selected from hydrogen and alkyl;    -   R³ is selected from —(CH₂)_(n)— and —CH₂—O—CH₂, wherein n is an        integer from 1 to 3; and optionally up to two hydrogen atoms in        R³ are independently replaced by halo, (C₁-C₅)-alkyl, or        O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl;    -   each of R^(5a) and R^(5b) is independently selected from        hydrogen, (C₁-C₅)-alkyl, perfluoroalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl,        preferably hydrogen and (C₁-C₅)-alkyl;    -   R⁶ is selected from —C≡CH, -phenyl, —(C₁-C₅)-alkyl,        —(C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl, —C═C-phenyl —C═C—(C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl        —C≡C—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, and —O-phenyl, wherein phenyl is optionally        substituted with up to 3 substituents independently selected        from halo, (C₁-C₅)-alkyl, O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl,        ester, alkoxycarbonyl, acyl, thioester, thioacyl, thioether,        amino, amido, acylamino, cyano, and nitro;    -   each of R⁸ and R⁹ are independently selected from hydrogen,        —(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, -aryl, -heteroaryl, —C(O)—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl,        —C(O)-aryl, —C(O)-heteroaryl, —C(O)—O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl,        —C(O)—O-aryl, —C(O)—O-heteroaryl, and —C(O)—N(R^(a))(R^(b)),        wherein any alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl is optionally substituted        with up to 3 substituents independently selected from halo,        (C₁-C₅)-alkyl, O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl, ester,        alkoxycarbonyl, acyl, thioester, thioacyl, thioether, amino,        amido, acylamino, cyano, and nitro;    -   each of R^(10a) and R^(10b) is independently selected from        hydrogen, (C₁-C₅)-alkyl, perfluoroalkyl, O—(C₁-C₅)-alkyl, aryl        and heteroaryl, or    -   R^(10a) and R^(10b) are taken together with the carbon atom to        which they are bound to form a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring;        and    -   wherein each double bond is independently in an E- or a        Z-configuration.

In certain embodiments, when R¹ is —OM, and M is a cation selected fromammonium, tetra-alkyl ammonium, Na, K, Mg, and Zn is optionally excludedfrom such compositions.

In certain embodiments, R² and R¹ together are

In certain embodiments, R² is —C(O)—. In certain embodiments, R¹ is—OR^(a), wherein R^(a) is hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl. In certainembodiments, R³ is —(CH₂)_(n)—, wherein n is 3. In certain embodiments,R⁶ is —C≡CH. In certain embodiments, R^(5a) is hydrogen. In certainembodiments, R^(5b) is hydrogen. In certain embodiments, R^(10a) ishydrogen. In certain embodiments, R^(10b) is hydrogen. In certainembodiments, R² is —C(O)—, R¹ is —OR^(a), wherein R^(a) is C₁-C₆-alkyl,R³ is —(CH₂)_(n)—, wherein n is 3, R⁶ is —C≡CH, R^(5a) is hydrogen,R^(5b) is hydrogen, R^(10a) is hydrogen, and R^(10b) is hydrogen.

In certain embodiments, the compound is selected from any one of isoptionally excluded from such compositions:

In some embodiments an active agent optionally excluded from suchcompositions, when compositions of the present disclosure include anactive agent, may be a compound of formula VII,

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:

-   Re and Rf are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl,    alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, acyl (e.g., alkoxyacyl, aminoacyl),    aminocarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, or silyl;-   E is a hydroxyl, alkoxy, aryloxy, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino,    or arylamino;-   Rh and Ri are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl,    alkynyl, perfluoroalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl;-   R₅ is selected from i-iv as follows: i) CH₂CH(R₆)CH₂, where R₆ is    hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, perfluoroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl,    fluoro, hydroxyl or alkoxy; ii) CH₂C(R₆R₇)CH₂, where R₆ and R₇ are    each independently alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, perfluoroalkyl, aryl, or    fluoro, or R₆ and R₇ are connected together to form a carbocyclic or    heterocyclic ring; iii) CH₂OCH₂, CH₂C(O)CH₂, or CH₂CH₂; or iv) R₅ is    a carbocyclic, heterocyclic, aryl or heteroaryl ring; and-   R₈ and R₉ are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl,    alkynyl, perfluoroalkyl, alkoxy, aryl or heteroaryl, or R₈ and R₉    are connected together to form a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring.

In certain embodiments, a compound of formula VII is represented byformula VIII,

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:Re, Rf, R₅, and E are as defined above.

In certain embodiments, a compound of formula VII or VIII is representedby formula IX,

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein:Re, Rf, and E are as defined above.

Ocular Diseases

In various aspects and embodiments the formulations as disclosed hereinmay be used to treat or prevent an ocular disease or disorder. Oculardiseases and disorders contemplated herein include anterior segmentdiseases and posterior segment diseases. Exemplary ocular diseases thatmay in certain embodiments be treated with formulations as disclosedherein include the following.

Dry eye syndrome (DES, Chronic dry eye, Keratitis sicca; Xerophthalmia;Keratoconjunctivitis sicca) can be defined as a condition that includesa variety of disorders that result in a loss of, or altered compositionof, the natural tear film, which maintains the surface of the eye.Without this tear film, vision is impaired and patients may suffersevere ocular discomfort. DES can be caused by excessive tearevaporation or by a reduction of tear production in the lacrimal gland,which is the site of tear production. Though the exact causes of thiscondition are unknown, there is evidence supporting the link betweenreduced tear production and inflammation of one or more components ofthe lacrimal apparatus. Currently available medications for DES areleaving substantial room for more effective and better toleratedproducts.

DES may also be a manifestation of Sjogren's syndrome which is anautoimmune disorder in which the glands that produce tears and salivaare destroyed. This leads to dry mouth, decreased tearing, and other drymucous membranes.

Noninfectious uveitis is a chronic inflammatory, putativeTh1/Th17-mediated autoimmune disease associated with substantial visualmorbidity and is potentially blinding. Blindness from uveitis usuallydoes not occur from a single inflammatory episode; rather, cumulativedamage results from recurrent episodes of inflammation. The inflammatorysequelae resulting in vision loss may include one or more of cystoidmacular edema, cataracts, vitreous debris, glaucoma, macular pathology(scarring and atrophy), optic neuropathy, and retinal detachment.

Anterior uveitis (iritis) occurs in the front of the eye and is the mostcommon form of uveitis. Par planitis is an inflammation of the parsplana, a narrow area between the iris and the choroid. This conditionoccurs more frequently in young men, but is usually not associated withanother disease. Posterior uveitis (chondroitis) affects primarily thechoroid; the back portion of the uveal tract. If the retina is alsoinvolved, it is called chorioretinitis. Posterior uveitis may occur inassociation with an autoimmune disease, or follow a systemic infection.In posterior uveitis, inflammation can last from months to years and maycause permanent vision damage, even with treatment.

Uveitis can cause vision impairment, ocular pain, and loss of vision. Itis estimated that about 10% of new cases of blindness in the U.S. arecaused by uveitis. Approximately 300,000 people suffer from uveitis inthe U.S. alone, the majority of whom are affected by anterior uveitis.The only therapeutic class approved by the FDA for treatment of uveitisis corticosteroids, which are noted for multiple side effects, such ashypertension, hyperglycemia, and hypercholesterolemia, and in the eye,glaucoma and cataract formation.

Conjunctivitis (pink eye) describes a group of diseases that causeswelling, itching, burning, and redness of the conjunctiva, theprotective membrane that lines the eyelids and covers exposed areas ofthe sclera, or white of the eye.

Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea (clear portion in the frontof the eye). Keratitis can be caused by an infection (bacterial, fungal,viral, parasite, etc.) or a non-infectious agent (e.g., certain types ofauto-immune diseases are associated with a variety of non-infectiouskeratitises).

Keratoconjunctivitis refers to an inflammation of the cornea andconjunctiva.

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a recurrent ocular inflammatorydisease characterized by hard, elevated, cobblestone like bumps on theupper eyelid. There may also be swellings and thickening of theconjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the outermost membrane which lines theeyelids as well as the exposed parts of the eye, except for the cornea.

Atopic keratoconjunctivitis is the result of a condition called atopy.Atopy is a genetic condition whereby the immune system produces higherthan normal antibodies in response to a given allergen.

Systemic immune mediated diseases such as cicatrizing conjunctivitis andother autoimmune disorders of the ocular surface represent a clinicallyheterogeneous group of conditions where acute and chronic autoreactivemechanisms can cause significant damage to the eye. When severe andaffecting the epithelium and substantia propria of the conjunctiva,cicatrization can ensue, leading to significant mechanical alterationsas a result of the fibrosis. These conditions, though generallyinfrequent, can be the cause of profound pathology and visualdisability.

Blepharitis is a common condition that causes inflammation of theeyelids.

Scleritis is a serious inflammatory disease that affects the white outercoating of the eye, known as the sclera.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease associated withaging that gradually destroys sharp, central vision. AMD affects themacula, which is located at the center of the retina. AMD occurs in twoforms: wet and dry. Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels behindthe retina start to grow under the macula. These new blood vessels tendto be very fragile and often leak blood and fluid. The blood and fluidraise the macula from its normal place at the back of the eye. Damage tothe macula occurs rapidly. Dry AMD occurs when the light-sensitive cellsin the macula slowly break down, gradually blurring central vision inthe affected eye.

Diabetes can affect the eye in a number of ways. Diabetic retinopathy(DR) is a complication of diabetes that results from damage to the bloodvessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (theretina). At first, diabetic retinopathy may cause no symptoms or onlymild vision problems. Eventually, however, diabetic retinopathy canresult in blindness. Diabetic macular edema (DME) is the swelling of theretina in diabetes mellitus due to leaking of fluid from blood vesselswithin the macula.

Ocular neovascularization is the abnormal or excessive formation ofblood vessels in the eye. Ocular neovascularization has been shown indiabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is scar tissue formation withinthe eye. “Proliferative” because cells proliferate and“vitreoretinopathy” because the problems involve the vitreous andretina. In PVR scar tissue forms in sheets on the retina which contract.This marked contraction pulls the retina toward the center of the eyeand detaches and distorts the retina severely. PVR can occur bothposteriorly and anteriorly with folding of the retina both anteriorlyand circumferentially.

The cytomegalovirus (CMV) is related to the herpes virus and is presentin almost everyone. When a person's immune system is suppressed becauseof disease (HIV), organ or bone marrow transplant, or chemotherapy, theCMV virus can cause damage and disease to the eye and the rest of thebody. CMV affects the eye in about 30% of the cases by causing damage tothe retina. This is called CMV retinitis.

Optic neuritis occurs when the optic nerve becomes inflamed and themyelin sheath becomes damaged or is destroyed. Nerve damage that occursin the section of the optic nerve located behind the eye, is calledretrobulbar neuritis, which is another term sometimes used for opticneuritis.

Also known as macular pucker, epiretinal membrane is a scar-tissue likemembrane that forms over the macula. It typically progresses slowly andaffects central vision by causing blurring and distortion. As itprogresses, the pulling of the membrane on the macula may causeswelling.

In an embodiment, the compositions can be used for preventing transplantrejection of, for example, corneal allografts following transplantation.It is well known that in inflammation T-lymphocytes play a critical rolein mediating rejection of foreign tissues. Prevention of rejection is ofparamount importance in maintaining the health of transplanted corneas.Rejection may occur in any of the layers comprising the cornea, forexample, the corneal epithelium, the corneal stroma or the cornealendothelium. The functioning of the cornea can be compromised followingendothelial rejection. The endothelial layer serves to maintain thecornea in a compact state, acting as a pump by removing water from thecorneal stroma. If the function of the endothelial layer is compromised,disorientation of collagen fibers can ensue, and transparency of thecornea can be lost. Human endothelial cells are non-replicative, and asa consequence, donor cell loss in the setting of rejection isirreversible and may lead to diminished graft function and survival.Thus, the goal of either prevention or treatment of rejection in cornealtransplant recipients is to minimize endothelial cell loss. Thecompositions of the present disclosure can be used for the prevention ofrejection following corneal allograft transplantation.

Additional Formulation Ingredients

The compositions of the present disclosure may also contain othercomponents such as, but not limited to, additives, adjuvants, buffers,tonicity agents, bioadhesive polymers, and preservatives. In any of thecompositions of this disclosure for topical administration to the eye,the mixtures are preferably formulated at about pH 5 to about pH 8. ThispH range may be achieved by the addition of buffers to the compositionas described in the examples. In an embodiment, the pH range in thecomposition in a formulation is about pH 6.6 to about pH 7.0. It shouldbe appreciated that the compositions of the present disclosure may bebuffered by any common buffer system such as phosphate, borate, acetate,citrate, carbonate and borate-polyol complexes, with the pH andosmolality adjusted in accordance with well-known techniques to properphysiological values. The mixed micellar compositions of the presentdisclosure are stable in buffered aqueous solution. That is, there is noadverse interaction between the buffer and any other component thatwould cause the compositions to be unstable.

Tonicity agents include, for example, mannitol, sodium chloride,xylitol, etc. These tonicity agents may be used to adjust the osmolalityof the compositions. In one aspect, the osmolality of the formulation isadjusted to be in the range of about 250 to about 350 mOsmol/kg. In apreferred aspect, the osmolality of the formulation is adjusted tobetween about 280 to about 300 mOsmol/kg.

An additive such as a sugar, a glycerol, and other sugar alcohols, canbe included in the compositions of the present disclosure.Pharmaceutical additives can be added to increase the efficacy orpotency of other ingredients in the composition. For example, apharmaceutical additive can be added to a composition of the presentdisclosure to improve the stability of the calcineurin inhibitor or mTORinhibitor, to adjust the osmolality of the composition, to adjust theviscosity of the composition, or for another reason, such as effectingdrug delivery. Non-limiting examples of pharmaceutical additives of thepresent disclosure include sugars, such as, trehalose, mannose,D-galactose, and lactose. In an embodiment, the sugars can beincorporated into a composition prior to hydrating the thin film (i.e.,internally). In another embodiment, the sugars can be incorporated intoa composition during the hydration step (i.e., externally) (see Example17). In an embodiment, an aqueous, clear, mixed micellar solution of thepresent disclosure includes additives such as sugars.

In an embodiment, compositions of the present disclosure furthercomprise one or more bioadhesive polymers. Bioadhesion refers to theability of certain synthetic and biological macromolecules andhydrocolloids to adhere to biological tissues. Bioadhesion is a complexphenomenon, depending in part upon the properties of polymers,biological tissue, and the surrounding environment. Several factors havebeen found to contribute to a polymer's bioadhesive capacity: thepresence of functional groups able to form hydrogen bridges (—OH, COOH),the presence and strength of anionic charges, sufficient elasticity forthe polymeric chains to interpenetrate the mucous layer, and highmolecular weight. Bioadhesion systems have been used in dentistry,orthopedics, ophthalmology, and in surgical applications. However, therehas recently emerged significant interest in the use of bioadhesivematerials in other areas such as soft tissue-based artificialreplacements, and controlled release systems for local release ofbioactive agents. Such applications include systems for release of drugsin the buccal or nasal cavity, and for intestinal or rectaladministration.

In an embodiment, a composition of the present disclosure includes atleast one bioadhesive polymer. The bioadhesive polymer can enhance theviscosity of the composition and thereby increase residence time in theeye. Bioadhesive polymers of the present disclosure include, forexample, carboxylic polymers like Carbopol® (carbomers), Noveon®(polycarbophils), cellulose derivatives including alkyl and hydroxyalkylcellulose like methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose,carboxymethylcellulose, gums like locust beam, xanthan, agarose, karaya,guar, and other polymers including but not limited to polyvinyl alcohol,polyvinyl pyrollidone, polyethylene glycol, Pluronic® (Poloxamers),tragacanth, and hyaluronic acid; phase-transition polymers for providingsustained and controlled delivery of enclosed medicaments to the eye(e.g., alginic acid, carrageenans (e.g., Eucheuma), xanthan and locustbean gum mixtures, pectins, cellulose acetate phthalate,alkylhydroxyalkyl cellulose and derivatives thereof, hydroxyalkylatedpolyacrylic acids and derivatives thereof, poloxamers and theirderivatives, etc. Physical characteristics in these polymers can bemediated by changes in environmental factors such as ionic strength, pH,or temperature alone or in combination with other factors. In anembodiment, the optional one or more bioadhesive polymers is present inthe composition from about 0.01 wt % to about 10 wt %/volume, preferablyfrom about 0.1 to about 5 wt %/volume. In an embodiment, thecompositions of the present disclosure further comprise at least onehydrophilic polymer excipient selected from, for example, PVP-K-30,PVP-K-90, HPMC, HEC, and polycarbophil. In an embodiment, the polymerexcipient is selected from PVP-K-90, PVP-K-30 or HPMC. In an embodiment,the polymer excipient is selected from PVP-K-90 or PVP-K-30.

In an embodiment, if a preservative is desired, the compositions mayoptionally be preserved with any of many well-known preservatives,including benzyl alcohol with/without EDTA, benzalkonium chloride,chlorhexidine, Cosmocil® CQ, or Dowicil® 200. In certain embodiments, itmay be desireable for a formulation as described herein to not includeany preservatives. In this regard, preservatives may in some embodimentsnot be necessary or desirable in formulations included in single usecontainers. In other embodiments it may be advantageous to includepreservatives, such as in certain embodiments in which the formulationsare included in a multiuse container.

The ophthalmic compositions can be administered topically to the eye asbiocompatible, aqueous, clear mixed micellar solutions. The compositionshave the drugs incorporated and/or encapsulated in micelles which aredispersed in an aqueous medium.

Non-Limiting List of Exemplary Embodiments

In addition to the aspects and embodiments described and providedelsewhere in this disclosure, the following non-limiting list ofparticular embodiments are specifically contemplated.

1. A formulation comprising a polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid and apolyalkoxylated alcohol,

-   -   wherein said formulation comprises mixed nanomicelles,    -   wherein said formulation does not include organic solvents, and    -   wherein said formulation does not contain any pharmaceutically        active agent that has received regulatory approval for the        specific treatment of an ocular condition.        2. The formulation of embodiment 1, wherein said polyoxyl lipid        or fatty acid is present in an amount equal to or greater than        1% of said formulation.        3. The formulation of embodiment 1, comprising 1-5% of one or        more polyoxyl lipid selected from the group consisting of        HCO-40, HCO-60, HCO-80 and HCO-100; and about 0.01-0.1%        octoxynol-40.        4. The formulation of embodiment 1, comprising 1.5-4% of one or        more polyoxyl lipids selected from the group consisting of        HCO-40, HCO-60, HCO-80 and HCO-100; and about 0.01-0.1%        octoxynol-40.        5. The formulation of embodiment 1, comprising about 4% of one        or more polyoxyl lipids selected from the group consisting of        HCO-40, HCO-60, HCO-80 and HCO-100; and about 0.01-0.1%        octoxynol-40.        6. The formulation of embodiment 1, comprising about 4% of        HCO-60 and about 0.01-0.1% octoxynol-40.        7. The formulation of embodiment 1, comprising 1-5% of one or        more polyoxyl lipid selected from the group consisting of        HCO-40, HCO-60, HCO-80 and HCO-100; and about 0.01%        octoxynol-40.        8. The formulation of embodiment 1, comprising 1.5-4% of one or        more polyoxl lipid selected from the group consisting of HCO-40,        HCO-60, HCO-80 and HCO-100; and about 0.01% octoxynol-40.        9. The formulation of embodiment 1, comprising 1.5-4% of polyoxl        lipids or fatty acids; and about 0.01% octoxynol-40.        10. The formulation of embodiment 1, comprising about 4% of one        or more polyoxyl lipid selected from the group consisting of        HCO-40, HCO-60, HCO-80 and HCO-100; and about 0.01%        octoxynol-40.        11. The formulation of embodiment 1, comprising about 4% of        HCO-60 and about 0.01% octoxynol-40.        12. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid is between 0.5 and 6% by        weight of said formulation.        13. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid is between 0.5 and 2% by        weight of said formulation.        14. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid is between 0.5 and 3% by        weight of said formulation.        15. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid is between 0.5 and 4% by        weight of said formulation.        16. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid is between 0.5 and 5% by        weight of said formulation.        17. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid is between 1 and 6% by weight        of said formulation.        18. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid is between 1 and 2% by weight        of said formulation.        19. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid is between 1 and 3% by weight        of said formulation.        20. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid is between 1 and 4% by weight        of said formulation.        21. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid is between 1 and 5% by weight        of said formulation.        22. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid is between 1 and 6% by weight        of said formulation.        23. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid is between 2 and 6% by weight        of said formulation.        24. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid is between 3 and 6% by weight        of said formulation.        25. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid is between 4 and 6% by weight        of said formulation.        26. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid is between 2 and 5% by weight        of said formulation.        27. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid is between 3 and 5% by weight        of said formulation.        28. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid is about 4% by weight of said        formulation.        29. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid is greater than about 0.7% by        weight of said formulation.        30. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid is greater than about 1% by        weight of said formulation.        31. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid is greater than about 1.5% by        weight of said formulation.        32. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid is greater than about 2% by        weight of said formulation.        33. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid is greater than about 3% by        weight of said formulation.        34. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said polyalkoxylated alcohol if present is between 0.002 and 4%        by weight of said formulation.        35. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said polyalkoxylated alcohol if present is between 0.005 and 3%        by weight of said formulation.        36. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said polyalkoxylated alcohol if present is between 0.005 and 2%        by weight of said formulation.        37. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said polyalkoxylated alcohol if present is between 0.005 and 1%        by weight of said formulation.        38. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said polyalkoxylated alcohol if present is between 0.005 and        0.5% by weight of said formulation.        39. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said polyalkoxylated alcohol if present is between 0.005 and        0.1% by weight of said formulation.        40. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said polyalkoxylated alcohol if present is between 0.005 and        0.05% by weight of said formulation.        41. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said polyalkoxylated alcohol if present is between 0.008 and        0.02% by weight of said formulation.        42. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said polyalkoxylated alcohol if present is about 0.01% by weight        of said formulation.        43. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said formulation does not include a resolvin or a resolvin-like        compound.        44. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said formulation does not include a resolvin.        45. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid is a polyoxyl castor oil.        46. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid is one or more selected from        HCO-60, HCO-80 or HCO-100.        47. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said polyoxyl lipid or fatty acid is HCO-60.        48. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said polyalkoxylated alcohol, if present is octoxynol-40.        49. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said formulation does not contain any active agents selected        from the group consisting of calcineurin inhibitors, mTOR        inhibitors, peptides, eicosanoids (e.g. prostacyclins and        prostaglandins), anti-inflammatory drugs (such as NSAIDS),        autonomic drugs (e.g. beta-blockers, alpha-blockers,        beta-agonists, and alpha-agonists), biologics, gene therapy        agents (e.g. viral vectors), anti-infectives (e.g. antifungals,        antibiotics, and antivirals), retinoids, RNAi, photo        sensitizers, steroids (e.g., estrogens and derivatives thereof,        and corticosteriods), mixture drugs, immuno-modulators,        chemotherapeutic agents, G-coupled protein receptor antagonists,        receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitors, growth hormone        inhibitors, integrin inhibitors, Sdfl/CXCR4 pathway inhibitors,        and nACh receptor antagonists, resolvins (or resolvin-like        compounds), lipoxins, and oxylipins.        50. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said formulation does not contain any active agents selected        from the group consisting of cyclosporine A, voclosporin,        ascomycin, tacrolimus, pimecrolimus, an analog thereof, or a        pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.        51. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said formulation does not contain cyclosporine A.        52. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said formulation does not contain voclosporin.        53. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said formulation does not contain any active agents selected        from the group consisting of sirolimus (rapamycin),        temsirolimus, everolimus, an analog thereof, or a        pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.        54. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said formulation does not contain a compound of formula A, a        compound of any one of formulae 1-49, formulae I-IX, a lipoxin        compound, an oxylipin compound, a prodrug of any of the        foregoing, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of any of the        foregoing.        55. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said formulation does not contain a compound of formula A, a        compound of any one of formulae 1-49, formulae I-IX, a lipoxin        compound, an oxylipin compound, a prodrug of any of the        foregoing, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of any of the        foregoing.        56. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said formulation does not contain a combination of two different        active agents.        57. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        the formulation does not contain two or more active agents        selected from the group consisting of a resolvin or        resolvin-like compound, a steroid (such as a corticosteroid),        cyclosporine A, and voclosporin.        58. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        the formulation does not contain a resolvin and a        corticosteroid.        59. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        the formulation does not contain cyclosporine A and a        corticosteroid.        60. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        the formulation does not contain a resolvin, cyclosporine A and        a corticosteroid.        61. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said formulation does not contain a compound of formula I,

-   -   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:    -   Re and Rf are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl,        alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, acyl (e.g., alkoxyacyl,        aminoacyl), aminocarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, or silyl;    -   E is a branched alkoxy;    -   Rh and Ri are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl,        alkenyl, alkynyl, perfluoroalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl;    -   R₅ is selected from i-iv as follows: i) CH₂CH(R₆)CH₂, where R₆        is hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, perfluoroalkyl, aryl,        heteroaryl, fluoro, hydroxyl or alkoxy; ii) CH₂C(R₆R₇)CH₂, where        R₆ and R₇ are each independently alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl,        perfluoroalkyl, aryl, or fluoro, or R₆ and R₇ are connected        together to form a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring; iii)        CH₂OCH₂, CH₂C(O)CH₂, or CH₂CH₂; or iv) R₅ is a carbocyclic,        heterocyclic, aryl or heteroaryl ring; and    -   R₈ and R₉ are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl,        alkenyl, alkynyl, perfluoroalkyl, alkoxy, aryl or heteroaryl, or        R₈ and R₉ are connected together to form a carbocyclic or        heterocyclic ring.        62. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said formulation does not contain a compound of formula I,        wherein    -   Re, Rf, Rh, Ri, R₈ and R₉ are hydrogen;    -   E is branched alkoxy (such as isopropyl); and    -   R₅ is CH₂CH₂CH₂.        63. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said resolvin, if present, is a compound of Formula I.        64. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said resolvin, if present, is compound 1001.        65. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said formulation further comprises a preservative.        66. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said formulation further comprises one or more preservatives        selected from the group consisting of benzyl alcohol        with/without EDTA, benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine,        Cosmocil® CQ, and Dowicil® 200.        67. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said formulation does not include preservatives.        68. The formulation of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein        said formulation does not include benzyl alcohol with/without        EDTA, benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine, Cosmocil® CQ, or        Dowicil® 200.        69. A method of treating or preventing an ocular disease or        condition, said method comprising topically administering a        formulation of any of the preceding embodiments.        70. A method of treating or preventing an ocular disease or        condition, said method comprising topically administering a        formulation of any of the preceding embodiments; wherein said        disease is an anterior segment disease.        71. A method of treating or preventing an ocular disease or        condition, said method comprising topically administering a        formulation of any of the preceding embodiments; wherein said        disease is an posterior segment disease.        72. A method of treating or preventing an ocular disease or        condition, said method comprising topically administering a        formulation of any of the preceding embodiments; wherein said        disease is one or more selected from the group consisting of dry        eye syndrome, Sjogren's syndrome, uveitis, anterior uveitis        (iritis), chorioretinitis, posterior uveitis, conjunctivitis,        allergic conjunctivitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis, vernal        keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), atopic keratoconjunctivitis,        systemic immune mediated diseases such as cicatrizing        conjunctivitis and other autoimmune disorders of the ocular        surface, blepharitis, scleritis, age-related macular        degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic macular        edema (DME), ocular neovascularization, age-related macular        degeneration (ARMD), proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR),        cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, optic neuritis, retrobulbar        neuritis, and macular pucker.        73. A method of treating or preventing an ocular disease or        condition, said method comprising topically administering a        formulation of any of the preceding embodiments; wherein said        disease is dry eye syndrome.        74. A method of treating or preventing an ocular disease or        condition, said method comprising topically administering a        formulation of any of the preceding embodiments; wherein said        disease is allergic conjunctivitis.        75. A method of treating or preventing an ocular disease or        condition, said method comprising topically administering a        formulation of any of the preceding embodiments; wherein said        disease is age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The following examples are provided to further illustrate aspects of thepresent disclosure. These examples are non-limiting and should not beconstrued as limiting any aspect of the present disclosure.

Example 1 Preparation of Mixed Nanomicellar Formulation Using DialysisMethod

Mixed nanomicellar formulation of an active compound is prepared bydialysis method with varying ratio of polymers and the drug.Experimental design software, JMP 9.0 is used to design the experimentsand analyze the results. Accurately weighted quantities of two polymersnamely polyoxyl hydrogenated castor-60 (HCO-60) and octoxynol-40 (Oc-40)are dissolved in 300 microliter volume of propylene glycol. Eightymicroliter (or 80 mg of active compound in PG) of propylene glycolcontaining active compound is added to this polymer mixture and vortexmixed to get a clear homogenous solution. The volume of the mixture ismade up (500 microliters) with propylene glycol. The solution is vortexmixed to get a homogenous solution. A volume of 500 microliter distilleddeionized water is added to this mixture to obtain a total volume of1000 microliter (1 milliliter). Addition of water to the drug polymermixture in organic solvent should spontaneously generate micellesthereby entrapping the pharmaceutical active agent in the hydrophobiccore of mixed nanomicelles.

The mixture is transferred to a dialysis bag (molecular weight cut off1000) and transferred to a beaker containing one liter of distilleddeionized water. Beaker and the contents are protected from sunlight bycovering with aluminum foil and are kept under slow constant stirring atroom temperature. Dialysis of the mixture is carried over a period of 24h to remove the water soluble organic solvent, propylene glycol, fromthe mixture. Water in the dialysis chamber is changed at predeterminedtime points: 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, 12 h and 24 h. At the end of dialysis(24 h), the contents of the dialysis bag are carefully transferred to a15-mL centrifuge tube and formulations are subjected to sonication inwater bath (time range from 0 min to 5 min). The final volume is made upwith 2× phosphate buffer saline and adjusted pH of the formulation to6.5±0.1. The resultant formulation is filtered with 0.22 micrometernylon filter to remove any foreign particulate matter.

The prepared formulations are subjected to various tests such asentrapment efficiency, loading efficiency, mixed nanomicellar size andpolydispersity index.

Mixed nanomicellar Size and polydispersity index: The formulation sizeand polydispersity index are determined with Zetasizer, MalvernInstruments, NJ. In brief, approximately 1 mL of each formulation istransferred to a cuvette and placed in the instrument. A laser beam oflight is used to determine the mixed nanomicellar size. The results ofthe size are summarized in Table 2.

Entrapment efficiency: To determine the entrapment efficiency of theformulation, all the prepared formulations are subjected to entrapmentefficiency test. Briefly, formulations are vortex mixed for homogeneityand 1 mL is transferred to a fresh (1.5 mL) eppendorf tube. Eachformulation is lyophilized to obtain a solid at the bottom of eppendorftube. The obtained solid is suspended in 1 mL of organic solvent(diethyl ether) to generate reverse micelles and release the drug intothe external organic solvent. The organic solvent is evaporatedovernight in speed vacuum. The resultant reversed micelles areresuspended in 1 mL of 2-propanol (dilution factor was taken intoaccount) and further diluted to determine the concentration of activecompound entrapped in each micellar preparation with HPLC. Theentrapment efficiency of the formulation is calculated with thefollowing formula (wherein MNF=Mixed Nanomicellar Formulation):

Entrapment efficiency=(amount of drug quantified in MNF)×100/Amount ofdrug added in the MNF

Drug Quantification by an HPLC method: In vitro analysis of activecompound is performed by a reversed phase high performance liquidchromatography (RP-HPLC) method with a Shimadzu HPLC pump (Shimadzu,Shimadzu Scientific instruments, Columbia, Md.), Alcott autosampler(model 718 AL), Shimadzu UV/Visible detector (Shimadzu, SPD-20A/20AV,USA), ODS column (5 μm, 150×4.6 mm) thermostated at 40°±1 C and HewlettPackard HPLC integrator (Hewlett Packard, Palo Alto, Calif.). The mobilephase is comprised of methanol (MeOH), water and trifluoroacetic acid(TFA) (70:30:0.05% v/v) which is set at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min.Detection wavelength is set at 272 nm. The sample tray temperature ismaintained at 4° C. Calibration curve (0.5 to 5 μg/mL) for activecompound is prepared by making appropriate dilutions from the stocksolution in 2-propanol. An injection volume of 10 μl is injected intothe HPLC column for analysis. All the standards and samples prepared arestored at 4° C. before and during the analysis.

Example 2 Preparation of Mixed Nanomicellar Formulation Using EthylAcetate Solvent Evaporation Method

Mixed nanomicellar formulation encapsulating active compound is preparedby solvent evaporation method in two steps: 1) Preparation of basicformulation and 2) rehydration. In step one, active compound, HCO-60 andoctoxynol-40 are dissolved separately in 0.3 mL of ethyl acetate. Thesethree solutions are mixed together in 15-mL centrifuge tube. Theresultant mixture is vortexed to obtain a homogenous solution. Ethylacetate solvent is removed with speed vacuum to obtain a solid thinfilm. The residue is kept overnight under high vacuum at roomtemperature to remove residual organic solvent.

In step two, the resultant thin film is hydrated with 1 mL of doubledistilled deionized water by vortexing the solution. The rehydratedformulation is suspended in 2× phosphate buffer solution, (pH 6.5). Itis filtered through 0.2 μm nylon filter membrane to remove theunentrapped drug aggregates and other foreign particulates. Theentrapment of active compound is determined by RP-HPLC followingdisruption of the micelles and solubilization of 1001 in the diluent(2-propanol) as described below.

The prepared formulations are subjected to various tests such asentrapment efficiency, loading efficiency, mixed nanomicellar size andpolydispersity index according to the methods described in Example 1.

Weight percent of drug loaded into MNF is determined following themethod for entrapment efficiency. Size and polydispersity index of theformulations is determined with Malvern zetasizer as described above.The results obtained are summarized in Table 2 below. The formulationsappear clear and have small size and narrow size distribution.

TABLE 2 Characterization of the mixed nanomicellar formulationencapsulating compound 1001 with solvent evaporation method ActiveActive (loaded Mixed (initially in mixed nanomicellar HCO-60Octoxynol-40 added) micelles) size Polydispersity (wt %) (wt %) wt % wt% (nm) Index Result 4 0.01 0.035 0.033 24.90 0.442 Clear/transparentsolution before and after filtration 4 0.01 0.070 0.065 25.01 0.414Clear/transparent solution before and after filtration 4 0.01 0.0950.084 24.79 0.415 Clear/transparent solution before and after filtration4 0.01 0.120 0.11 18.28 0.320 Pale yellow color transparent solutionbefore and after filtration 4 0.01 0.250 0.26 18.37 0.331 Yellow colorsolution before and after filtration 4 0.01 0.300 0.32 18.29 0.345Yellow color 4 0.01 0.400 0.45 18.2 0.333 solution before and afterfiltration

Example 3 Preparation of Mixed Nanomicellar Formulation Using MeltMethod

Two hundred milligrams of hydrogenated castor oil-60 (HCO-60) (4 wt %)is weighed and transferred to a 10 mL round bottom flask (RBF). The neckof the round bottom flask is closed with aluminum foil, sealed withparafilm and transferred to a water bath set at 40° C. The round bottomflask is left overnight in a water bath to liquefy/melt the HCO-60. Onthe next day, ten micro liters of octoxynol-40 is diluted 100 fold andallowed to equilibrate at 40° C. for 1 h in a water bath. Similarly,active compound (as a neat oil) is allowed to equilibrate at 40° C. inthe water bath for 1 h. To the HCO-60 melt, 50 μL of 100 fold dilutedoctoxynol-40 (0.01 wt %) is added at 40° C. To the above mixture, ˜20 μLof active compound at 40° C. is added and stirred. To this mixturedistilled deionized water, approx. 2 mL, equilibrated at 40 C is slowlyadded and stirred. The neck of the round bottom flask is closed withaluminum foil and sealed with parafilm. The solution is stirred in awater bath set at 40° C. overnight protected from light (covering withaluminum foil). On the next day, the above obtained solution at 40° C.is removed from the water bath and allowed to cool to room temperatureand observed for clarity. Two milliliters phosphate buffer (2×) is addedto the above prepared solution (phosphate buffer was previously preparedand the pH was adjusted to 5.5). The volume of the formulation is madeup to 5 mL with the 2×phosphate buffer saline. The prepared formulationis filtered with 0.2 μm nylon filter and stored at 4° C.

The prepared formulations are subjected to various tests such asentrapment efficiency, loading efficiency, mixed nanomicellar size andpolydispersity index according to the methods described in Example 1.

Example 4 Preparation of Mixed Nanomicellar Formulation Using SecondMelt Method

The preparation of MNF encapsulating active compound (as a neat oil) canbe divided into two steps. An example for the development of 3.0 wt %HCO-40 or HCO-60 MNF encapsulating 0.4% active compound is describedbelow. In step 1, HCO-40 or HCO-60, 150 mg, is thermostated at 40° C. ina water bath to melt and result in a clear thick viscous liquid. To thismelt polymer, active compound (˜20 mg), thermostated at 40° C., is addedand mixed for homogenous distribution. The mixture is allowed to reachroom temperature, which results in a pale yellow color viscous liquidwith HCO-40 and waxy solid with HCO-60. Further, to solidify the viscousliquid of HCO-40, the mixture is stored at 4° C. (in refrigerator).

In step 2, the pellet and/or viscous liquid is allowed to reach roomtemperature under natural conditions. The pellet and/or viscous liquidis thermostated in a water bath at 40° C. and resuspended in 2.0 mL ofdistilled water (thermostated at 40° C.) under constant stirring. Thisresults in spontaneous development of a clear aqueous solution of 0.4%active compound MNF. This aqueous solution is allowed to reach roomtemperature, under natural conditions. The pH of the solution isadjusted to 5.5 and the volume is made up with 2× phosphate buffersaline (pH 5.5) containing octoxynol-40 (0.01 wt %) and PVP-K-90 (1.2 wt%). The formulation is filtered through 0.2 μm nylon filter to removeany foreign material and obtain a clear homogenous aqueousactive-containing formulation.

¹H NMR qualitative studies: To determine the absence of free drug in theouter aqueous environment, qualitative studies are conducted.Qualitative proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies areconducted with Varian 400 MHz NMR. Deuterated chloroform and water assolvent systems are used to resuspend the formulation and NMR studiesare performed.

Results: Compound added to HCO-40 or HCO-60 at 40° C. can be used toentrap active compound. At higher temperatures the polymer and the drugmixture remain in a viscous liquid state. When allowed to reach roomtemperature, under natural conditions, HCO-60 mixture solidifies anddevelops a waxy solid. This waxy solid when thermostated at 40° C.,helps in resuspending the formulation in distilled water tospontaneously develop active compound-containing MNF. Similarobservation and results are obtained with HCO-40 viscous liquid. Theviscosity of the mixture appears to be improved at lower temperatures(4° C.). Therefore, it appears to stick to the walls of the container asthick viscous liquid. Upon allowing to reach back to room temperaturethe viscosity appears to be reduced and the mixture retains its flowback.

The waxy solid developed with HCO-60 and active compound mixture may behelpful to protect the drug and prevent drug degradation with a surfaceblanket of an inert gas. The other polymer (HCO-40) did not result indevelopment of waxy solid at room temperature or at low refrigeratedconditions (4° C.) when used up to approx. 3.0 wt %.

Qualitative proton NMR studies show that resuspending the formulation inthe aqueous phase (D₂O) spontaneously generates mixed nanomicelles andno free drug peaks are evident in the aqueous solution. If the drug isnot entrapped in the core of mixed nanomicelles then the oil would befloating at the surface as a separate oil phase. While on the otherhand, resuspending the same formulation in organic solvent such asdeuterated chloroform (CDCl₃) shows distinct peaks corresponding to drugalong with polymer peaks. This indicates that the drug is notencapsulated in the micelle core and is freely available when present inorganic solvent.

The results obtained for physical appearance of the mixture, differentphases, at different temperatures and appearance of final formulationare summarized in Tables 3a-3c.

TABLE 3a Physical appearance of melt mixture of HCO-60 and ActiveCompound at 25° C, resuspending in water at 40° C. and final formulationof mixed nanomicellar formulation encapsulating active compound (HCO-60is melted and active compound is added to melt, then allowed to cool toroom temperature and the physical appearance is noted) Final Physicalformulation appearance at (make up with room 2X buffer HCO-60 Activetemperature Resuspend containing (wt %) (wt %) (25° C.) in water 0.01%Oc-40) 1.0 4 Pale yellow half Emulsion Emulsion solid and half viscousliquid 2.0 4 Pale yellow Forms pale Pale yellow viscous solid emulsionclear solution (with waxy and viscous liquid) 2.25 4 Pale yellow Formspale Pale yellow waxy solid emulsion clear solution 2.5 4 Pale yellowForms very Pale yellow waxy solid pale emulsion clear solution 2.75 4Pale yellow Forms very Clear solution waxy solid pale emulsion 3.0 4Pale yellow Clear solution Clear solution waxy solid 3.5 4 Pale yellowClear solution Clear solution waxy solid 4.0 4 Pale yellow Clearsolution Clear solution waxy solid

TABLE 3b Physical appearance for HCO-40 and active compound melt mixtureat 25° C., resuspending in water and final formulation of mixednanomicellar formulation encapsulating active compound (HCO-40 is meltedand active compound is added to melt at 40° C., then allowed to cool toroom temperature and the physical appearance is noted) Mixture physicalappearance at HCO-40 Active room temperature Resuspend Final (wt %) (wt%) (25° C.) in water formulation 0.5 4 Viscous yellow Emulsion Emulsionliquid 0.75 4 Viscous yellow Emulsion Emulsion liquid 1.0 4 Viscousyellow Emulsion Emulsion liquid 1.25 4 Viscous yellow Emulsion Emulsionliquid 1.5 4 Viscous yellow Emulsion Emulsion liquid 1.75 4 Viscousyellow Emulsion Emulsion liquid 2.0 4 Viscous yellow Emulsion Emulsionliquid 2.25 4 Viscous yellow Emulsion Emulsion liquid 2.5 4 Viscousyellow Yellow Yellow color liquid solution solution 2.75 4 Viscousyellow Pale yellow Pale yellow liquid solution color solution 3.0 4Viscous yellow Clear solution Clear solution liquid 4.0 4 Viscous yellowClear solution Clear solution liquid

TABLE 3c Physical appearance of HCO-40 and active compound melt mixtureat 25° C. and 4° C., mixture resuspended in water at 40° C. and finalformulation. (HCO-40 is melted and active compound is added to melt at40° C., then allowed to cool to room temperature, placed at 4° C. andbrought back to room temperature. Physical appearance of mixture isnoted at all temperatures) Mixture Mixture physical physical appearanceappearance Allow to at room at room reach room HCO-40 Active temperaturetemperature temperature Resuspend Final (wt %) (wt %) (25° C.) (4° C.)(25° C.) in water formulation 0.5 4 Viscous yellow Viscous liquidViscous liquid Emulsion Emulsion liquid 0.75 4 Viscous yellow Viscousliquid Viscous liquid Emulsion Emulsion liquid 1.0 4 Viscous yellowViscous liquid Viscous liquid Emulsion Emulsion liquid 1.25 4 Viscousyellow Viscous liquid Viscous liquid Emulsion Emulsion liquid 1.5 4Viscous yellow Yellow waxy Viscous liquid Emulsion Emulsion liquid solid1.75 4 Viscous yellow Yellow waxy Viscous liquid Emulsion Emulsionliquid solid 2.0 4 Viscous yellow Yellow waxy Viscous liquid EmulsionEmulsion liquid solid 2.25 4 Viscous yellow Yellow waxy Viscous liquidEmulsion Emulsion liquid solid 2.5 4 Viscous yellow Yellow waxy Viscousliquid Yellow Yellow color liquid solid solution solution 2.75 4 Viscousyellow Pale yellow Viscous liquid Pale yellow Very pale liquid waxysolid solution yellow color solution 3.0 4 Viscous yellow Pale yellowViscous liquid Clear solution Clear solution liquid solid (half solidhalf viscous liquid) 4.0 4 Viscous yellow Pale yellow Pale yellow Clearsolution Clear solution liquid waxy solid waxy solid

Conclusions. These studies show that the polymer HCO-60 can be used toentrap active compound with Hot Melt method. HCO-40 does not developwaxy solid at higher weight percent (3.0%) under the conditions of thisstudy. On the other hand, HCO-60 develops waxy solid at 2.0 wt %. Thismethod has unique advantages of being an easy and fast method thatavoids the use of organic solvent in the preparation of MNF. Also, themethod of preparation is easy and fast. The waxy solid developed instage 1 may be helpful in preventing the drug degradation and help thedrug to stay in waxy solid state at room temperatures with a blanket ofinert gas. Qualitative proton NMR studies show that drug is not freelyavailable when resuspended in aqueous solution. On the other hand, whenthe same formulation is resuspended in organic solvent, CDCl₃, drugpeaks are clearly evident indicating the presence of drug in the outerorganic solvent environment due to the formation.

Example 5 Preparation of Mixed Nanomicellar Formulation

MNF formulation of active agent is prepared by solvent evaporationmethod in two steps: 1. Preparation of basic formulation and 2.rehydration. In step one, active agent, HCO-40 and octoxynol-40 aredissolved separately in 0.5 mL of ethanol aliquots. These threesolutions are mixed together in a round bottom flask. The resultantmixture is stirred to obtain a homogenous solution. Ethanol solvent isremoved by high speed vacuum evaporation overnight to obtain a solidthin film.

In step two, the resultant thin film is hydrated with 2.0 mL of doubledistilled deionized water and resuspended with stirring overnight. Therehydrated formulation is pH adjusted and the volume is made up with 2×phosphate buffer solution, (pH 6.8). Further the formulation is filteredthrough 0.2 μm nylon filter membrane to remove the unentrapped drugaggregates and other foreign particulates.

Different polymer weight percent combination than are used for thepreceding examples are used to develop aqueous MNF entrapping 0.2 wt %active agent. Formulations are characterized for their appearance, sizeand polydispersity indices. The formulations are found to be clear andhave very small size with narrow polydispersity index. The results aresummarized in tables 4a and 4b.

TABLE 4a Mixed nanomicellar formulations at lower polymerconcentrations. HCO-40 Octoxynol-40 Visual Size Polydispersity wt % wt %appearance (nm) index 0.5 0.1 Emulsion N.D N.D 0.75 0.1 Emulsion N.D N.D1 0.1 Emulsion N.D N.D 1.25 0.1 Emulsion N.D N.D 1.5 0.1 Emulsion N.DN.D 1.75 0.1 Clear solution 14.86 0.062 2.00 0.1 Clear solution 36.140.884 0.5 0.5 Emulsion N.D N.D 0.75 0.5 Emulsion N.D N.D 1 0.5 EmulsionN.D N.D 1.25 0.5 Emulsion N.D N.D 1.5 0.5 Emulsion N.D N.D 1.75 0.5Clear solution 14.81 0.075 2.00 0.5 Clear solution 21.27 0.295 N.D—NotDetermined.

TABLE 4b Mixed nanomicellar formulations at higher polymerconcentrations. HCO-40 Octoxynol-40 Visual Size Polydispersity wt % wt %appearance (nm) index 0.5 1.0025 Clear solution 12.9 0.069 0.5 2 Clearsolution 18.1 0.069 2.5 0.005 Clear solution 15.65 0.064 2.5 1.0025Clear solution 14.56 0.096 2.5 1.0025 Clear solution 14.81 0.078 2.51.0025 Clear solution 14.80 0.098 2.5 1.0025 Clear solution 14.45 0.1022.5 2 Clear solution 13.92 0.108 4.5 0.005 Clear solution 20.59 0.2714.5 1.0025 Clear solution 15.08 0.087 4.5 2 Clear solution 15.37 0.079

Water Method. MNF formulation of active agent is prepared by the watermethod. One mL of double distilled deionized water is heated to 60° C.in a round bottom flask. This heated water is kept under stirring.HCO-40 is added to the heated water and allowed to dissolve underconstant stirring. Octoxynol-40 is then added to this mixture andallowed to dissolve. In a separate container, phosphates, sodiumchloride and CsA are blended by hand shaking for a few minutes. Understirring conditions, the phosphates/CsA/sodium chloride blend is addedto the solution of HCO-40 and octoxynol-40 to disperse the drug. Thismixture is allowed to cool to room temperature while stirring and checkfor complete dissolution of drug. PVP K 90 solution is separatelyprepared using the remaining 1 mL double distilled deionized water. ThisPVP K 90 solution is added to the solution ofpolymer/surfactant/drug/phosphate/sodium chloride. Water is added tomake up the final volume. Then the formulation is filtered through 0.2μm nylon membrane to remove the drug aggregates and other foreignparticulates.

Example 6 Local Tolerability in Rabbits of Formulations

Healthy young adult New Zealand albino rabbits (3-4 Kg) are used for thestudy of the local tolerability of formulations as described herein, forexample a formulation of Examples 1-5. One drop (approximately 30 .mu.L)of saline is placed in one eye and a drop of formulation is placed inthe other eye of the rabbit. Both eyes of each animal are examined by aveterinary ophthalmologist using a hand-held slit lamp and indirectophthalmoscope. Both control and test eyes are graded according toconjunctival congestion, swelling, and discharge, aqueous flare, irislight reflex and involvement, corneal cloudiness severity and area,pannus, fluorescein examination and lens opacity using theHackett/McDonald scoring system (see, for example, Hackett, R. B. andMcDonald, T. O. Ophthalmic Toxicology and Assessing Ocular Irritation.Dermatoxicology, 5.sup.th Edition. Ed. F. N. Marzulli and H. I. Maibach.Washington, D.C.: Hemisphere Publishing Corporation. 1996; 299-305 and557-566.). In the fluorescein examination, approximately one drop of0.9% sodium chloride, USP, is applied to the end of a fluoresceinimpregnated strip and then applied to the superior sclera of the leftand right eyes (one fluorescein impregnated strip is used for eachanimal). After an approximate 15 second exposure, the fluorescein dye isgently rinsed from each eye with 0.9% sodium chloride, USP. The eyes arethen examined using a slit lamp with a cobalt blue filtered lightsource. For the lenticular examination approximately one drop of ashort-acting mydriatic solution is instilled onto each eye in order todilate the pupil. After acceptable dilation has occurred, the lens ofeach eye is examined using a slit-lamp biomicroscope.

The crystalline lens is observed with the aid of the slit-lampbiomicroscope, and the location of lenticular opacity is discerned bydirect and retro illumination. The location of lenticular opacities arearbitrarily divided into the following lenticular regions beginning withthe anterior capsule: Anterior subcapsular, Anterior cortical NuclearPosterior cortical, Posterior subcapsular, Posterior capsular. The lensis evaluated routinely during ocular evaluations and graded as either 0(normal) or 1 (abnormal). The presence of lenticular opacities aredescribed and the location noted.

Example 7 Ocular Tissue Distribution of Formulations of 0.05 wt %, 0.2wt % and 0.5 wt % in Mixed Micellar Formulations of the PresentDisclosure

The temporal distribution and potential accumulation with repeat dosing,gender difference, and potential melanin binding of (ophthalmicsolution) of the present disclosure (for example the formulations ofExamples 1-5) after ocular application is assessed by determiningconcentration of active ingredients in ocular tissues, tears, and bloodin New Zealand White (NZW) and Dutch Belted (DB) rabbits.

NZW rabbits are used in a single dose (SD) and 7-day repeat dose (RD)studies. DB rabbits will be used in a single dose study). Animals areeither untreated (controls) or given a single or a daily topical oculardose for 7 days (0.05 wt %, 0.2 wt % or 0.5 wt % in a mixed micellarformulation to one or both eyes). Blood and ocular tissue concentrationsare assessed.

The concentration of drug is in tissues in the front of the eye (cornea,conjunctiva, sclera) and at the back of the eye (retina, optic nerve)but minimal in the middle of the eye (aqueous and vitreous humor),suggesting transport of the drug by a mechanism other than passivetransport through the eye. The high drug levels achieved at the back ofthe eye make topical administration of the compositions of the presentdisclosure feasible for the treatment of diseases of the back-of-the-eye(e.g., retinal, diseases involving optic nerve such as glaucoma). Veryhigh levels, especially in target tissues such as lachrymal gland, willbe shown with the compositions of the present disclosure.

Example 8 Use of Mixed Nanomicellar Formulations for Treating Dry Eye

Mixed nanomicellar formulations according to Examples 1-5 areadministered to a patient having dry eye at a concentration of between0.05% and 0.2% b.i.d. over a period of 1 month to 1 year or more.

Example 9 Use of Mixed Nanomicellar Formulations for Treating DiabeticRetinopathy

Mixed nanomicellar formulations according to Examples 1-5 areadministered to a patient having proliferative diabetic retinopathy at aconcentration of between 0.2 wt % to 0.5 wt % b.i.d. over a period of 1month to 1 year or more.

Example 10 Tolerance and Ocular Tissue Distribution of MixedNanomicellar Formulations

A study was conducted in rabbits to test the tolerance and ocular tissuedistribution of a nanomicellar formulation of active agent against itsplacebo and balanced saline solution (BSS). Healthy New Zealand femalewhite rabbits (2-3 kg) are used for this study. Study drug is preparedhaving 0.1% active agent essentially as described in the examplesherein. The below table shows the formulation composition of theformulation and the Placebo.

TABLE 5 Formulation Composition: 0.1% Active-containing Componentsformulation Placebo Cyclosporine 0.1% 0 Hydrogenated castor 1.0% 1.0%oil-40 Octoxynol-40 0.05% 0.05% Sodium chloride 0.10% 0.10% PVP-K900.60% 0.60% Disodium EDTA 0.05% 0.05% Benzalkonium 0.003% 0.003%chloride Sodium Phosphate ~0.4% ~0.4% buffer pH 7 7

One drop (approximately 35 μL) of study drug is applied o.d. 4×/day attwo hour intervals for 5 days. One drop of BSS is applied to thecontralateral eye.

The tolerance parameters evaluated are: physical examination(acclimation study release); viability (daily); clinical observations(daily); Hackett-McDonald Ocular Irritation scores (pre-dose baselinedata for each rabbit and then a pre-dose [prior to first daily dose]each day and then 30 min after last dose daily, intraocular pressure(TOP) pre-dose baseline data for each rabbit and then 30 minutes afterthe evening examinations each day, electroretinography (ERG)pre-dose-(pre-study) baseline data for each rabbit and then one hourafter the last treatment, and ocular histopathology at euthanasia.

Mean cumulative Hackett-McDonald ocular irritation scores demonstratevery minimal scores for both BSS-treated left eyes and cyclosporinetreated right eyes throughout the study, both for pre-treatment andpost-treatment examination times. Mean cumulative inflammatory scores ofless than 2 are observed in eyes treated with the TA, placebo, and BSS.These clinical scores represent mild conjunctival hyperemia (redness)and swelling. However, there are no significant differences in meancumulative Hackett-McDonald ocular irritation scores between the groups,suggesting no difference in irritation from topical application of 0.1%CsA in HCO-40, the HCO-40 placebo, and BSS.

No changes in TOP are noted in eyes treated with BSS, HCO-40, or activeagent. No toxicologic changes in retinal function are noted on ERG after5 days of treatment with the test articles. No toxicologic orinflammatory changes are observed histologically in the anterior(conjunctiva/cornea/iris) or posterior segments (vitreous/retina) of theeye of any groups.

Samples of selected ocular tissues (aqueous humor, vitreous humor,conjunctiva, cornea, iris-ciliary body, lens, retina/choroid, andsclera) are collected 1 hour following the last dose on Day 5 from alltwo rabbits that received 0.1% active agent with HCO-40 (OD), and BSS(OS), and from one rabbit (No. 21) that received placebo HCO-40formulation (OD) and BSS (OS). The samples are assayed for active agentby liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Theinternal standard is d₄-active agent. The established analytical rangesfor active agent are 0.100-100 ng/mL for whole blood, and 2.00-2000ng/mL for aqueous humor and vitreous humor. The analytical ranges forthe solid tissues are 0.125-30 ng (low range) and 1.00-2500 ng (highrange). The results of the solid tissue analyses are converted to ng/gby correcting for the amount of tissue analyzed.

Concentrations of active agent in ocular tissues collected 1 hourfollowing the last dose on Day-5 are summarized in Table 6. Followingrepeated administration of the 0.1% active agent-HCO-40 formulation, thehighest average active agent concentrations in the treated eye areobserved in cornea (7805 ng/g), followed by conjunctiva (2125 ng/g),sclera (720 ng/g), iris-ciliary body (204 ng/g), and aqueous humor (134ng/mL). The lowest active agent concentrations are observed in the lens(68.6 ng/g), retina/choroid (54 ng/g), and vitreous humor (˜8 ng/mL).Active agent concentrations in the collateral eye treated with BSS arequite low suggesting minimal systemic transfer of drug.

The ocular tissue concentrations for the 0.1% active agent formulationobserved in this study are generally higher than the C_(max) valuesfollowing repeat dose administration (bid for 7 days) of an Allergan0.2% 3H cyclosporine A formulation to rabbits (see Acheampong A A,Shackleton M, Tang-Liu D, Ding S, Stern M E, Decker R Distribution ofcyclosporin A in ocular tissues after topical administration to albinorabbits and beagle dogs; Current Eye Research 18(2); 1999; pp91-103).

TABLE 6 Nanomicellar Allergan Matrix 0.1% CsA 0.2% CsA Aqueous Humor134.5 ng/mL 19.3 ng-eq/mL Vitreous Humor 8.37 ng/mL 0.810 ng-eq/mLSclera 720.5 ng/g 35.2 ng-eq/g Conjunctiva 2125 ng/g ND ng-eq/g Cornea7805 ng/g 6011 ng-eq/g Iris-Ciliary Body 204 ng/g 109 ng-eq/g Lens 68.6ng/g 39.6 ng-eq/g Retina/Choroid 53.7 ng/g 4.62 ng-eq/g

Example 11 Tolerance and Ocular Tissue Distribution of Active CompoundMixed Nanomicellar Formulations

A study is conducted in rabbits to test the tolerance and ocular tissuedistribution of two nanomicellar formulations of active compound againstmatching placebos (Table 7a and 7b) and balanced saline solution (BSS).Healthy New Zealand female white rabbits (2-3 kg) are used for thisstudy. One drop (approximately 35 μL) of study drug is applied o.d.4×/day at two hour intervals for 5 days. One drop of BSS is applied tothe contralateral eye.

The tolerance parameters evaluated are: physical examination(acclimation study release); viability (daily); clinical observations(daily); Hackett-McDonald Ocular Irritation scores (pre-dose baselinedata for each rabbit and then a pre-dose [prior to first daily dose]each day and then 30 min after last dose daily, intraocular pressure(TOP) pre-dose baseline data for each rabbit and then 30 minutes afterthe evening examinations each day, electroretinography (ERG)pre-dose-(pre-study) baseline data for each rabbit and then one hourafter the last treatment, and ocular histopathology at euthanasia.

TABLE 7a Formulation Composition: RX-10045 0.15% RX-10045 (0.1%) inHCO-40 Placebo Components percentage percentage RX-10045 0.1% 0Hydrogenated Castor 1.0% 1.0% Oil-40 Octoxynol-40 0.05% 0.05% Sodiumchloride 0.10% 0.10% PVP-KW 0.60% 0.60% Disodium EDTA 0.05% 0.05%Benzalkonium 0.003% 0.003% chloride Sodium Phosphate ~0.4% ~0.4% bufferpH 5.5 5.5

TABLE 7b Formulation Composition: RX-10045 0.1% RX-10045 (0.15%) inHCO-60 Placebo Components percentage Percentage RX-10045 0.15% 0Hydrogenated Castor 1.0% 1.0% Oil 60 Octoxynol-40 0.05% 0.05% Sodiumchloride 0.10% 0.10% PVP-K90 0.60% 0.60% Disodium EDTA 0.05% 0.05%Benzalkonium 0.003% 0.003% chloride Sodium Phosphate ~0.4% ~0.4% bufferpH 5.5 5.5

Cumulative Hackett-McDonald ocular irritation scores demonstrate veryminimal mean values for both BSS-treated left eyes and test-articletreated right eyes throughout the study, both for pre-treatment andpost-treatment examination times. There are no significant differencesin mean cumulative Hackett-McDonald ocular irritation scores between thegroups (Table 8). The observed ocular irritation is interpreted asminimal and transient in all groups.

TABLE 8 Hackett-McDonald Composite Scores (mean ± s.d.) HCO-40 RX-10045HCO-60 RX-10045 Placebo^(a) 0.1%^(b) Placebo^(a) 0.15%^(b) Day 1 Predose0.0-0.0 0.0-0.0 0.0-0.0 0.0-0.0 Day 1 Postdose 1.7-1.5 0.5-0.1 0.0-0.00.5-0.1 Day 2 Predose 0.0-0.0 0.0-0.0 0.0-0.0 1.0-1.2 Day 2 Postdose2.0-0.0 0.0-0.0 0.7-1.1 0.5-1.0 Day 3 Predose 0.0-0.0 0.0-0.0 0.0-0.00.5-1.0 Day 3 Postdose 1.3-1.2 0.0-0.0 0.0-0.0 1.0-1.2 Day 4 Predose1.3-1.2 0.0-0.0 0.3-0.6 0.5-1.0 Day 4 Postdose 1.3-1.2 0.0-0.0 0.7-1.20.8-1.0 Day 5 Predose 0.0-0.0 0.5-1.0 1.0-1.0 0.0-0.0 Day 5 Postdose1.3-2.3 0.0-0.0 0.3-0.6 0.8-1.1

No changes in TOP are noted in eyes treated with BSS or test articles.No toxicologic changes in retinal function are noted on ERG after 5 daysof treatment with the test articles. No toxicologic or inflammatorychanges are observed histologically in the anterior(conjunctiva/cornea/iris) or posterior segments (vitreous/retina) of theeye of any groups.

Selected ocular fluids/tissues (aqueous humor, vitreous humor,conjunctiva, cornea, iris-ciliary body, lens, retina/choroid, andsclera) collected from two rabbits each in the active agent (0.15% inHCO-60, 0.1% in HCO-40) treatment groups, and from one rabbit in each ofthe matching placebo groups, are assayed for active compound by liquidchromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Warfarin-d₅ and5-HDA are used as internal standards for the analysis of RX-10045 andits active metabolite, RX-10008, respectively, in aqueous humor andvitreous humor. For the other ocular tissues (solid tissues),warfarin-d5 and phenyl acetic acid-d5 (PAA-d₅) are used as the internalstandards for compound 1001 and RX-10008, respectively. The analyticalrange for the solid tissues is 0.125-100 ng. The results of the solidtissue analyses are converted to ng/g by correcting for the amount oftissue analyzed.

Only sporadic, relatively low, concentrations of the compound 1001 esterprodrug are observed in the sclera and conjunctiva. Compound 1001 iseither not detected or is below the quantitation limit of the assay inthe majority of ocular tissues. These data suggest that RX-10045 israpidly hydrolyzed to its active metabolite, RX-10008.

A summary of the parent compound (RX-10008) tissue concentrations ispresented in Table 9. The highest concentrations of RX-10008 are foundin the cornea, followed by the iris-ciliary body, conjunctiva, andsclera. There are also relatively high concentrations of RX-10008 in theaqueous humor. Lower amounts are found in the retina/choroid and lens.The lowest levels of RX-10008 are found in the vitreous humor.

TABLE 9 Comparison of mean (n = 2) RX-10008 ocular tissue concentrationsfollowing topical ocular administration of RX-10045 (0.15% in HCO- 60,0.1% in HCO-40) formulations to the eye four times a day at 2 hourintervals for five days to New Zealand White Rabbits Treatment Group 4Treatment Group 5 0.15% RX-10045 0.1% RX-10045 in HCO-60 in HCO-40RX-1008 (ng/g or ng/mL) Sclera   990^(a) 701 Cornea 15700^(a)  9650^(a)Conjunctiva 1132  879 Lens 136 164 Iris-Ciliary Body 2725  2655 Retina/Choroid 410 323 Vitreous Humor  18   15.7 Aqueous Humor >2000  >2000    ^(a)n = 1

The invention illustratively described herein may be practiced in theabsence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations which isnot specifically disclosed herein. The terms and expressions which havebeen employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation,and there is no intention that in the use of such terms and expressionsof excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described orportions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications arepossible within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should beunderstood that although the present invention has been specificallydisclosed by preferred embodiments and optional features, modificationand variation of the concepts herein disclosed may be resorted to bythose skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations areconsidered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by theappended claims.

The contents of the articles, patents, and patent applications, and allother documents and electronically available information mentioned orcited herein, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety tothe same extent as if each individual publication was specifically andindividually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Applicantsreserve the right to physically incorporate into this application anyand all materials and information from any such articles, patents,patent applications, or other documents.

The inventions illustratively described herein may suitably be practicedin the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations,not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, for example, the terms“comprising”, “including,” containing”, etc. shall be read expansivelyand without limitation. Additionally, the terms and expressions employedherein have been used as terms of description and not of limitation, andthere is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions ofexcluding any equivalents of the features shown and described orportions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications arepossible within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should beunderstood that although the present invention has been specificallydisclosed by preferred embodiments and optional features, modificationand variation of the inventions embodied therein herein disclosed may beresorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications andvariations are considered to be within the scope of this invention.

The invention has been described broadly and generically herein. Each ofthe narrower species and subgeneric groupings falling within the genericdisclosure also form part of the invention. This includes the genericdescription of the invention with a proviso or negative limitationremoving any subject matter from the genus, regardless of whether or notthe excised material is specifically recited herein.

In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are described interms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe invention is also thereby described in terms of any individualmember or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

Other embodiments are set forth within the following claims.

1. (canceled)
 2. (canceled)
 3. (canceled)
 4. (canceled)
 5. (canceled) 6.(canceled)
 7. (canceled)
 8. (canceled)
 9. A method of treating dry eyesyndrome in a subject in need thereof, said method comprising topicallyadministering to the subject, an ophthalmic formulation comprising apolyoxyl lipid or fatty acid and a polyalkoxylated alcohol, wherein theformulation comprises mixed nanomicelles, wherein the formulation doesnot comprise an organic solvent, and wherein the formulation does notcomprise any pharmaceutically active agent.
 10. (canceled) 11.(canceled)
 12. (canceled)
 13. (canceled)
 14. (canceled)
 15. (canceled)16. (canceled)
 17. (canceled)
 18. The method of claim 9, wherein theformulation comprises greater than 1 wt % of the polyoxyl lipid or fattyacid.
 19. The method of claim 9, wherein the polyoxyl lipid or fattyacid is HCO-40, HCO-60, HCO-80, HCO-100, polyoxyl 40 stearate, orpolyoxyl 35 castor oil.
 20. The method of claim 9, wherein thepolyalkoxylated alcohol is octoxynol-40.
 21. The method of claim 20,wherein the formulation comprises about 0.002 to about 4 wt %octoxynol-40.
 22. The method of claim 9, wherein the polyoxyl lipid orfatty acid is HCO-40, HCO-60, HCO-80, HCO-100, polyoxyl 40 stearate, orpolyoxyl 35 castor oil, and wherein the polyalkoxylated alcohol isoctoxynol-40.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the polyoxyl lipid orfatty acid is about 0.05 to about 5 wt % of the formulation, and whereinthe polyalkoxylated alcohol is about 0.01 to about 1 wt % of theformulation.
 24. The method of claim 22, wherein the polyoxyl lipid orfatty acid is about 0.5 to about 2 wt % of the formulation, and whereinthe polyalkoxylated alcohol is about 0.01 to about 1 wt % of theformulation.
 25. The method of claim 22, wherein the polyoxyl lipid orfatty acid is about 0.5 to about 1 wt % of the formulation, and whereinthe polyalkoxylated alcohol is about 0.02 to about 0.1 wt % of theformulation.
 26. The method of claim 22, wherein the polyoxyl lipid orfatty acid is about 0.5 to about 5 wt % of the formulation, and whereinthe polyalkoxylated alcohol is about 0.02 to about 4 wt % of theformulation.
 27. The method of claim 22, wherein the polyoxyl lipid orfatty acid is about 0.5 to about 1.5 wt % of the formulation, andwherein the polyalkoxylated alcohol is about 0.02 to about 0.1 wt % ofthe formulation.
 28. The method of claim 9, wherein the formulationcomprises: about 0.5 to about 2 wt % hydrogenated 40 polyoxyl castoroil, about 0.002 to about 4 wt % octoxynol-40, a tonicity agent, abioadhesive polymer, a preservative, a buffer system, and water, whereinpH of the formulation is about 5 to about
 8. 29. The method of claim 28,wherein: the tonicity agent is sodium chloride, the bioadhesive polymeris polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) K-90, the preservative is EDTA andbenzalkonium chloride, and the buffer system is sodium phosphate buffer.30. The method of claim 28, wherein the formulation consists of: about1.0 wt % hydrogenated 40 polyoxyl castor oil, about 0.05 wt %octoxynol-40, about 0.10 wt % sodium chloride, about 0.60 wt % PVP K-90,about 0.05 wt % EDTA, about 0.003 wt % benzalkonium chloride, about 0.4wt % of sodium phosphate buffer, and water, wherein pH of theformulation is about
 7. 31. The method of claim 9, wherein pH of theformulation is about 5 to about
 8. 32. The method of claim 9, wherein pHof the formulation is about 6.6 to about 7.0.
 33. The method of claim 9,wherein the formulation is stable at 40° C.
 34. A method of relievingone or more symptoms of dry eye syndrome in a subject in need thereof,the method comprising topically administering to the subject anartificial tear formulation comprising a polyoxyl lipid or fatty acidand a polyalkoxylated alcohol, wherein the formulation comprises mixednanomicelles, wherein the formulation does not comprise an organicsolvent, and wherein the formulation does not comprise anypharmaceutically active agent.
 35. The method of claim 35, wherein theformulation consists of: about 1.0 wt % hydrogenated 40 polyoxyl castoroil, about 0.05 wt % octoxynol-40, about 0.10 wt % sodium chloride,about 0.60 wt % PVP K-90, about 0.05 wt % EDTA, about 0.003 wt %benzalkonium chloride, about 0.4 wt % of sodium phosphate buffer, andwater, wherein pH of the formulation is about
 7. 36. A method oftreating an ocular disease or disorder in a subject in need thereof,said method comprising topically administering to the subject, anophthalmic formulation comprising about 0.5 to about 2 wt % of apolyoxyl lipid or fatty acid and about 0.002 to about 4 wt % of apolyalkoxylated alcohol, wherein the formulation comprises mixednanomicelles, wherein the formulation does not comprise an organicsolvent, and wherein the formulation does not comprise cyclosporine. 37.A method of claim 36, wherein the ocular disease or disorder is dry eyesyndrome.